06/12/2026
Parents shared custody of two children. After relocating closer to the children, the father requested additional parenting time. The mother agreed that increasing the father's involvement was appropriate but proposed a gradual transition to help the children adjust. The father believed the children were ready for an immediate increase and indicated that he would pursue court intervention if an agreement could not be reached.
During mediation, the parties explored their concerns, priorities, and the practical realities of the court process. While the father maintained that an immediate increase was his preferred outcome, he also recognized that obtaining a court hearing could take six to nine months or longer. Through discussion, the parents reached an agreement on a graduated parenting schedule that increased the father's parenting time right away, with additional increases built into the plan.
This case demonstrates an important advantage of mediation over litigation. Although the father did not achieve his ideal outcome immediately, he left mediation with more parenting time than he had before and began spending additional time with his children months sooner than he likely would have through the court process. Rather than waiting for a judge to make a decision, the parents created a customized solution that addressed the children's needs, reduced uncertainty, and allowed the family to move forward.
Mediation is not always about one side "winning." Often, its value lies in helping participants make informed decisions, identify practical solutions, and achieve meaningful progress more quickly than would be possible through traditional litigation.
Send us a message if you want more information!
