Custody Mediation and Collaborative Practice Child Specialists

Custody mediation provides a safe and neutral environment for parents to discuss the best interests of their children. The goal of custody mediation (or a “Child Specialist” in the Collaborative Practice model) is to assist parents in making choices that most benefit their children’s long term health and welfare. Custody Mediation is a form of ADR (alternative dispute resolution) that allows families to move past the troubles in their history to a more peaceful and cooperative future.

Many families are able to end their cycle of conflict and adversarial communication with the help of custody mediation. Mediators assist in the development of “transitional” relationships that help families move from painful or unhealthy patterns into healthy bi-nuclear families. Custody mediation can help parents develop working agreements about physical custody/time share, parenting style conflicts, holiday schedules, academic decisions and medical care.

Although Custody Mediators are trained, licensed therapists, Custody Mediators (or “Child Specialists”) do not perform therapy. The process is confidential, but may include exceptions with your permission. Custody Mediators and Child Specialists typically offer education and parenting support to help you determine the unique needs of your child and a plan for how to best address these needs.

Custody Mediators do not advocate for either parent. This is a child centered process that places the needs of the children above the needs or preferences of adults. Mediators and Specialists are neutral and remain so throughout the entire process. Special emphasis is placed upon educating participants about healthy communication and creating a safe and healing environment.