Custody Mediation 

 Custody mediation empowers parents to develop a mutually acceptable parenting plan; a plan that allows both parents to remain actively involved in the lives of the children.    With the help a neutral mediator, parents take control over their family situation and jointly decide what is in the best interest of their children.  Parents know better than anyone else what their children need to be emotionally healthy, financially stable and happy.

5 Reasons to Consider Custody Mediation

1. Cost- Parties who utilize mediation often save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in attorney and GAL (guardian ad litem) fees and cost.

2. Control- Mediation allows parties to decide what is best for their family.

3. Privacy- Private personal issues remain private and confidential.

4 Reduced Stress & Animosity Mediation ensures that children do not have to be embroiled in a bitter custody battle.

5. Restructuring of the family: Mediation allows parties to learn to effectively restructure the family life without destruction, thus reducing stress and emotional distress.

How Mediation Works

During the mediation process parents  meet jointly with Laurie to discuss and resolve parenting issues.  In addition, a framework is established for effective co-parenting and resolving future parental conflict. Each session last approximately 1 hour, and can be conducted in person or virtually.

Common issues which can be resolved include, but are certainly not limited to;

• Parental access
• Participation in extracurricular activities
• Holiday parenting time
• Educational issues
• Vacation parenting time
• Payment of expenses   
• Travel cost for long distance parenting time.

Why choose Laurie Giles as your mediator

Her vast mediation experience and significant mediation training Make Laurie Giles uniquely qualified to help you reach an amicable resolution of your family issues. She has served as a Family Special Master for the State of Connecticut Superior Court for more than a decade. She has served as a court appointed attorney for minor children as well as a guardian ad litem. In her private mediation practice, she has worked with numerous couples and families to find solutions to their family conflict. Her mediation practice areas include divorce, custody, post divorce, and issues surrounding care of aging and ailing parents and post death conflicts.

Laurie Giles earned a certificate in divorce and family mediation from Syracuse University. She also received advanced family financial mediation training from Carolina Mediation Services. She was honored to present by invitation “Gypsy Life; A Critical View of Shared Custody” to the International Society of Family Law.  

Fees

Custody mediation fees are based upon a flat rate and are often included in divorce mediation fees. The fees are established at the outset of the mediation process and cover all mediation sessions. A large upfront retainer is not required. Payment plans are available.