In any custody case, the main objective of the family court is to protect and ensure the best interests of the child. However, there are other factors that will be considered by the courts in determining what custody arrangement is suitable in each case. One such factor is the primary caretaker standard which is recognized by New York courts and can be persuasive in a child custody case.

Traditionally, family law cases are decided in the court system. However, some parties choose a type of alternative dispute resolution known as mediation to resolve their family law cases. Below are five benefits of choosing mediation for your New York family law case.

1) Cost-effective

Families that choose mediation over conventional court proceedings save money. Mediation typically costs thousands of dollars less because attorneys typically charge a lower rate for mediation services. Also, a resolution is reached through mediation much faster than a case would be decided in court so both parties save money on accumulated attorney fees, excessive court costs and other associated expenses.

Divorce mediation is a type of voluntary alternative dispute resolution that allows divorcing couples to forego traditional court proceedings in favor of a less contentious and more cost-effective compromise-based resolution of their marriage.

In a typical divorce mediation, the mediator will help you and your partner reach an agreement on several important issues, including but not limited to:

When parents enter into a custody order with the courts, the arrangements set forth in the order are legally binding and should be adhered to at all times. Sometimes, one parent violates the custody order in such a way that the other parent is forced to go back to court. In this situation, an experienced New York family law attorney can help guide you through the process in order to protect your parental rights.

How are custody orders violated?

Establishing a custody order that works for your family is an important aspect of any divorce. However, many post-divorce couples find themselves in situations where their custody order no longer works for their families. In New York, custody orders can be modified at any time in certain limited circumstances.