ADR Options to Reach Child Custody Agreements

Twin Cities Child Custody Mediator Michael C. Black

As with divorce agreements, child custody agreements are generally more successful when parents have worked together to craft a child custody and visitation agreement that suits their particular family.

Some parents are able to reach an agreement themselves, while others require the assistance of a mediator or arbitrator. Whether you need the supported negotiation of mediation or a more formal process of arbitration, I can help. If you need assistance in properly drafting an agreement you have already reached or you need help taking a child custody case to family court, I can represent you.

I'm attorney Michael Black, a family lawyer with more than 30 years of courtroom experience and a decade of mediation experience. I invite you to contact my St. Paul law office to discuss your child custody situation and the services you may need to reach a resolution. In addition to courtroom representation and mediation services, I provide a variety of services to assist parents in establishing or interpreting existing child custody orders.

Parenting Consultant

Binding Arbitration in Child Custody Cases: I have served as a parenting consultant in a number of family court matters in recent years. The term "parenting consultant" is commonly used to describe a neutral person hired to make a binding recommendation when parents cannot resolve between them a dispute over custody or parenting time.

Every parenting consultant case is unique and depends upon the needs of the children and parents. Bringing in a parenting consultant does mean that the parents are temporarily giving up some part of their parental authority to a third party to make decisions on behalf of their children.

I usually try to mediate child custody cases before taking this arbitration role. If mediation does not work and we move forward with the parenting consultation, I give each parent the opportunity to provide information to inform my decision in the matter. I then make a written decision.

Parenting Time Expediter

Resolving Problems with Existing Orders: A parenting time expediter is a neutral person who uses the mediation-arbitration process to resolve visitation disputes after a child custody order has been drafted. The expeditor's job is to help the parties figure out a solution on their own. If the parties cannot agree, the expediter will make the decision for them. The expediter can be selected by the parties or appointed by the court

When I act as an expediter, I take the position that I must work with the child custody and visitation order as it was drafted. I am limited to enforcing the order, interpreting or clarifying the order, or addressing circumstances that weren't address in the original order. I prefer to have parents make decisions for their children rather than have me do so for them. I will make a decision only as a last resort.

I welcome your e-mail or phone call and look forward to helping you find a cost-effective resolution that is in the best interest of your children and your family.