Hello, people, and welcome back to Keefe Private Investigations. As usual, we keep you updated on important things you need to know. I’m Makayla, and today, mediators in Oklahoma share their top 5 child custody mediation techniques. You do not want to scroll past this video. Don’t forget that, for excellent child custody mediation services, call Keefe at (405) 435-8355, and you will not regret it.
Child custody mediation is a process where parents work with a neutral third-party mediator to reach an agreement on child custody and visitation. The reasons for this child custody mediation are numerous, but the most important is that it reduces the conflicts and tensions between parents. Parents are involved in the decision-making process. Their opt for mediation because it is cost-effective when compared to litigation, and it helps parents reach a faster resolution. Parents consider child custody mediation when they are getting separated or divorced and they want to determine where the child will stay. If there have been existing custody agreements, the mediation can help modify them. It also helps to plan custody, visitation, or parenting time. So, when going into child custody mediation, ensure that there is enough information available that will help in the decision-making, and there should be goals for the mediation. Parents should be open-minded, and the best mediator should be hired. So what are the 5 best techniques for child custody mediation?
Table of Contents
1. Active Listening
Host: “The first child custody mediation technique is active listening. The parents should approach the mediation with an open mind and fully concentrate on what the other parent is saying. Doing so will help them understand each other’s perspectives and acknowledge their feelings. Through active listening, both parents will understand their interests, concerns, and needs, which helps them to communicate effectively and reach an agreement. The mediators can then summarize or paraphrase statements to ensure both parties understand each other and their perspective is valued.
2. Interest-Based Relational Approach
The second technique in child custody mediation is using interest-based relational (IBR). With this technique, the mediator will focus on helping both parents understand their needs, concerns, and interests. Parents can voice their opinions on their child’s emotional well-being, stability, and educational needs. The mediator will then facilitate conversations bearing these concerns in mind so that both parents will reach an understanding where their concerns are addressed and the child’s needs take precedence.
3. Collaborative Problem-Solving
Collaborative problem-solving is another mediation technique in child custody cases, and it involves working together to identify and solve problems. Parents are given the liberty to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions. The mediator works with them to find solutions that meet their respective needs. Collaborative problem-solving can help parents build trust, improve communication, and develop a more cooperative relationship with each other, bearing in mind that at all times, the children are the focus in their decisions.
4. Brainstorming Options
The best child custody mediator ensures that they make use of the brainstorming option technique in the mediation. Each parent can bring up issues that they want to address as regards the well-being of the child and the custody of the child. During mediation, a list of potential solutions to the problem will be made. This provides the opportunity for parents to not just think that their ideas as regards the well-being of their child are the best. It makes them more open-minded and makes them consider other options knowing that the child is the priority.
5. Focus on the Child’s Best Interests
A useful child custody mediation technique that is used is ensuring that the parents focus on the child’s best interests. The conversations during the mediation must always center around the child, their well-being, and their needs. Doing so helps parents to know that creating a good environment for the child where they are nurtured is important. The best mediators can use child-centered questions to guide the conversations, like “How will this decision impact your child’s daily life?” This will encourage parents to think more critically and put the child first.
Conclusion
For parents to co-parent effectively. Resolve their disputes and reduce conflict, and a whole child custody mediation is a good option. Look for and hire a child custody mediator who will make use of some, if not all, of these techniques for a successful child mediation. Parents should approach the mediation process with an open mind, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to finding solutions that work for everyone involved. At Keefe Private Investigations, we know that you want a good relationship with your child and parent. The right child custody mediator will help with that. So, hire a mediator from our private investigation agency. For more insights or our services, visit us at www.privateinvestigatorokc.com or Makayla@ojpslegal.com