How custody orders can protect children and parents

abc4 news recently posted a story about the necessity of custody orders for parents who are separating or divorced.  

 “In order to go to a trial, you have to go to mediation first anyway.” He added that doing this as soon as possible may end up saving couples time, money, and even help to maintain a cordial relationship between parents. “I tell people a lot, if you are already agreeing on almost everything, go to mediation right away before something happens.” 

Done Mediation strives to help parents develop clear and concise parenting plans that have enforceable measures to protect children as needed.  

The story also says:

Should the cordial relationship among parents sour in the future, the custody order may provide additional security if the police need to become involved. Felt further explained: “If there is no court document, most of the time the police can only say, ‘I’m sorry, there is no order, there is nothing I can do about this. You need to take it to the court.’” 

Conflict between parents arises when one or both parties feel that their needs or expectations are not being met by the other.  Often times these areas of conflict can be avoided in the first place by having well thought out and clearly defined parenting plans in custody orders.  

It is vitally important that co-parents discuss what type of interaction and dynamic they want to have as co-parents.  In cases of high-conflict, it is often in the best interests for all parties that there be very limited interaction and clear boundaries to assure the comfort and safety of those bound by that order.  

For help with developing or modifying a custody order or parenting plan, contact Done Mediation today or schedule a session of mediation now.