Mediation is a more peaceful, less combative way to protect your parental rights Plano TX. Child custody disputes can account for some of the most unpleasant battles during a divorce, battles that are only exacerbated by warring lawyers. During mediation (or alternate dispute resolution, as it’s sometimes called) a neutral mediator will discuss custody or co-custody arrangements with you and your spouse. Without the pressure of lawyers and a judge to enforce the notion that there are only a few viable custody arrangements, you can explore many different options.

Parental Rights Plano TX: Mediation and Child Custody

Divorce mediation is a non-adversarial approach to ending a marriage and determining child custody, and it’s important for both parents to dedicate themselves to this goal. If one parent wants a neutral discussion about the divorce, and the other goes into mediation with an “all or nothing” approach, the marriage will end up being resolved in court instead of in mediation. To make mediation work, both parents must be willing to put their child’s needs first and prepare for mediation sessions. Write down what custody arrangements are acceptable to you and which aren’t, and bring the list with you to the meeting.

If your relationship with your ex is bad, but both of you want to give mediation a try, it is possible for each party to meet separately with the mediator. The mediator will talk with each party until an agreement is reached.

Parenting Agreement Plano TX: Custody, Co-Custody and Visitation

Parental rights extend to the parent or parents who have legal custody of a child. These rights include

Physical custody, including visitation and regular contact

Legal custody, including the right to make decisions regarding education, health care and religious upbringing

The right to give a gift or inheritance of property to a child

The right to inherit from a child in case of death and the right to a child’s earnings

There are many possible custody arrangements, from full custody by one parent to co-custody. In co-custody, parents work together to decide on schooling, vacation and medical issues for their child (or children). The child’s best interest is the primary concern, with parent’s egos left out of the decision-making process.

Normally, both parents can have co-custody or, if one parent has full custody, regular visitation is granted to the other parent, usually on a set schedule. Parental rights are only denied in extreme cases, when a parent is abusive, or has severe mental or emotional problems. In these situations, psychologists are called in to assist in the decision-making process.

Call Divorce Mediation Centers of Texas to learn more about parental rights Plano TX and child custody arrangements. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about the mediation process. Fill out our online contact form or call us at 469-630-3400 today