Child Support Mediation

Many co-parents now increasingly recognize that leaving crucial family law decisions, such as child support, to the family court’s discretion may not always be the best idea. The court will take into account various factors and make the child support amount calculations according to the pre-determined state guidelines. The parent with the child’s physical custody as well as the paying co-parent is not likely to have much say in this process.

But when co-parents decide to pursue the alternative choice of child support mediation with help from experienced mediators, they can often come to an agreement that is more tailored to match with their family’s needs. Family law mediators will facilitate the process, and encourage both co-parents to arrive at a mutually agreeable child support amount that they can both comfortably live with.

They will help ensure that the mediation process is collaborative instead of adversarial, and the focus is maintained on the child’s best interests. While remaining compliant with the state guidelines, it is possible to minimize dissension and conflict between the co-parents in resolving child support issues rather than going the way of litigation.

In an informal and confidential setting, child support mediators in California can help parents keep their personal differences aside and focus on hard facts in the best interests of their child. Because the parents have more control of the decision, they are more likely to experience a sense of accomplishment and continue to stay committed to doing their best for their child’s upbringing.