Divorce Mediation Associates

What Is Divorce Mediation and How Does It Work?

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:29:23 GMT

Divorce can be a complex and emotionally charged process, but not every situation requires a prolonged courtroom battle. Many couples today are exploring alternative approaches that allow for more control and flexibility. One of the most widely used options is working with a divorce mediator, who helps guide discussions and facilitate agreements outside of traditional litigation.

According to Grow Law, every day, over 2,400 divorces are finalized in the U.S. This volume highlights how important it is to understand the different paths available. Divorce mediation offers a structured, private way to resolve key issues while maintaining a more collaborative environment.

Understanding the Divorce Mediation Process

Divorce mediation is a structured process in which a neutral third party, known as a divorce mediator, helps spouses who are separating work through the terms of their divorce. Rather than having a judge dictate outcomes, both individuals participate in guided discussions to reach mutual agreements.

The role of the mediator is not to make decisions but to facilitate communication, clarify priorities, and keep conversations productive. This approach allows both parties to remain involved in shaping outcomes related to property division, financial arrangements, and parenting plans.

Because the process is collaborative rather than adversarial, mediation often creates a more controlled and less confrontational setting compared to court proceedings.

Recognizing the Role of a Divorce Mediator

A divorce mediator acts as a neutral facilitator throughout the process. Their primary responsibility is to guide conversations, manage conflict, and help both parties explore practical solutions.

Unlike attorneys or judges, a mediator does not represent either side. Instead, they focus on maintaining balance in discussions and keeping negotiations moving forward. This includes identifying areas of agreement, narrowing down points of conflict, and encouraging productive compromise.

In many cases, the mediator will also document the agreed-upon terms in a written settlement. This document can later be submitted to the court as part of the final divorce process.

Working with a qualified divorce mediator provides structure and clarity, especially when navigating emotionally sensitive topics.

Exploring How the Mediation Process Unfolds

While each case may vary, most mediation processes follow a similar sequence of steps. A divorce mediator typically begins by gathering background information and outlining expectations for the sessions.

During the initial phase, both parties may provide details about finances, assets, and any relevant family considerations. The mediator then helps identify the key issues that need to be resolved, such as property division or parenting arrangements.

As sessions progress, discussions shift toward negotiation. The mediator facilitates conversations, encourages open communication, and helps generate potential solutions. The goal is to move from disagreement toward workable outcomes through structured dialogue.

Once agreements are reached, the mediator compiles the terms into a formal document that can be reviewed and finalized through the legal system.

Comparing Mediation to Divorce Litigation

Mediation differs significantly from the traditional court-based divorce process. In litigation, decisions are ultimately made by a judge, and each party typically relies on legal representation to present their case.

By contrast, working with a divorce mediator allows both individuals to participate directly in decision-making. This can create a more flexible and personalized outcome that reflects the specific needs of the situation.

Mediation is also generally more private, as discussions occur outside of a public courtroom. It can reduce the level of conflict and provide a more efficient path to resolution in many cases.

For individuals seeking a less adversarial approach, mediation offers an alternative that focuses on communication and collaboration.

Identifying Key Issues During Mediation

A divorce mediator helps guide discussions about several core areas that must be resolved before a divorce is finalized. These often include financial and family-related matters.

Common topics addressed during mediation include the division of marital assets, allocation of debts, child custody arrangements, parenting schedules, and financial support considerations. Each issue is discussed in detail to reach terms that both parties can accept.

Because mediation encourages open dialogue, it allows for more customized solutions than those typically imposed by a court.

Evaluating the Benefits of Mediation

Working with a divorce mediator offers several practical advantages that appeal to many individuals navigating divorce. One of the most notable benefits is the ability to maintain control over the outcome.

Mediation often reduces the time required to finalize a divorce compared to litigation, as it avoids lengthy court schedules. It can also help lower overall costs by minimizing the need for extensive legal proceedings.

Additionally, the collaborative nature of mediation can help reduce tension between parties. This is especially important in situations involving children, where ongoing communication may be necessary after the divorce is finalized.

The process is designed to encourage problem-solving rather than confrontation, which can lead to more sustainable agreements.

Acknowledging When Mediation May Not Fit

While mediation is effective in many scenarios, it may not be appropriate for every situation. A divorce mediator relies on both parties participating in good faith and being willing to communicate openly.

Situations involving significant power imbalances, lack of transparency, or safety concerns may require a different legal approach. In these cases, seeking professional legal guidance is essential to determine the most appropriate path forward.

Even when mediation is not the primary solution, understanding how it works can help individuals make more informed decisions about their options.

Preparing for the Mediation Experience

Preparation plays an important role in making mediation sessions productive. Before meeting with a divorce mediator, individuals are often encouraged to gather relevant financial documents, outline priorities, and identify areas of concern.

Having a clear understanding of goals, whether related to finances, parenting, or long-term planning, can help guide discussions during sessions. Being open to compromise and willing to engage in constructive dialogue also contributes to a more effective process.

Seeking professional guidance before or during mediation can provide additional clarity and help individuals navigate complex decisions with greater confidence.

Finalizing Agreements During Mediation

Once both parties reach an agreement on key issues, the divorce mediator prepares a written settlement outlining the terms. This document serves as the foundation for the final divorce filing.

After review, the agreement is submitted to the court for approval. If accepted, it becomes part of the official divorce decree and is legally enforceable.

This final step transforms the negotiated terms into a binding resolution, completing the mediation process while avoiding the need for a trial.

Seeking Professional Support

Divorce mediation is most effective when guided by a qualified professional who can maintain structure and neutrality throughout the process. Working with an experienced divorce mediator can help keep discussions focused, reduce unnecessary conflict, and move negotiations forward efficiently.

Rather than navigating the process alone, seeking professional support provides a more organized approach to resolving complex legal and financial matters. This can lead to clearer outcomes and a more manageable transition overall.

Divorce mediation offers a practical alternative to traditional litigation by focusing on communication, collaboration, and shared decision-making. With the support of a divorce mediator, individuals can work through key issues in a structured environment that prioritizes clarity and efficiency. This approach can also help reduce unnecessary delays and create outcomes that better reflect each party's priorities.

If you're considering your options for divorce, connecting with a divorce mediator at Divorce Mediation Associates, LTD can help you move forward with a process tailored to your specific needs and goals while maintaining a more balanced and constructive path toward resolution.

Parenting Plans for Young Children and The Benefit of Shared Co-parenting

Sat, 08 Jul 2023 03:36:00 GMT

Is Spending the Night in Different Homes Bad for Littles?

Important co-parenting decisions are made during separation and divorce and when developing a parenting plan for very young children (Infant and Toddler age).One of the most crucial decisions to support the emotional health of young children is how much time a child spends with each parent. In the past the “maternal instinct” was often a deciding factor for how to split time between parents, especially when younger children were involved.

However, we now know that (in the absence of abuse or other extenuating circumstances), not only is each parent capable of caring for their child, but children benefit from caregiving involvement of both parents. This includes overnights with the parent who previously was not the primary caregiver (in many families it is the father). Previously, literature has supported that children ages 5 and under should not have overnights with both parents, which is not supported by current research. ¹

Why Does Shared Parenting Time Matter Early in Life?

If good development does not inherently require the child sleep in the same home each day, how frequently should they overnight with each parent? This is an important question that involves many factors. But remember that the best Parenting Plan is not the end goal. The end goal is what the Plan facilitates: secure attachment with all parents and caregivers.

“Secure attachment” is different than “bonding.” Bonding refers to how the parent perceives their relationship with the child. Secure attachment relates to the child’s emotional connection to the parent from birth and throughout childhood.

“Children need something more than love and caregiving in order for their brains and nervous systems to develop in the best way possible. Children need to be able to engage in a nonverbal emotional exchange with their primary caretaker in a way that communicates their needs and makes them feel understood, secure, and balanced. Children who feel emotionally disconnected from their primary caregiver are likely to feel confused, misunderstood, and insecure, no matter how much they’re loved.” ²

Further, solid emotional connections with both caregivers are a strong predictor of better outcomes in social, emotional, and cognitive development throughout life.

Transitioning Between Homes

Smooth transitions are very important with everyone involved in shared parenting! Think of a relay race: passing the baton smoothly makes everything else go better.

Here are some tips for transitioning young children between parents:

1. Take care of yourself. Young children especially rely on parents for good and safe decisions. They also take emotional cues from adults and mirror their reactions. Divorce and co-parenting are challenging, so make sure you have tools to handle stress, get adequate sleep, etc.

2. Create and keep routines . Routines help young children learn and know what to expect next. Consistent routines help build security and strong relationships.

3. Communicate with the co-parent. All co-parenting needs good communication, but young children have unique requirements. Reaching agreement on topics like breastfeeding, toilet training, bedtimes, and discipline helps reduce stress for everyone.

Young children are growing and developing quickly! Changing households can be challenging for everyone, but divorce does not remove the child’s need for ongoing involvement with both parents without long separations. ³

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¹ Warshak, R. A. (2014). Social science and parenting plans for young children: A consensus report. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 20(1), 46–67. https://doi.org/10.1037/law0000005 . (As cited by Child and Family Blog. https://childandfamilyblog.com/parents-divorce-regular-overnight-stays-dad-best-young-children/ )

² Segal, J., Glenn, M. Robinson, L. (2020). What is secure attachment and bonding? https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/what-is-secure-attachment-and-bonding.htm

³ Hunter, J., Trussell, J. M. Robinson, L. Helping infants and toddlers adjust to divorce. https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/gh6607

Agreeing on a Sensible Parenting Plan for the Best Interest of Your Children

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 15:23:00 GMT

You and your spouse have decided to get a divorce, and, while you might be in pain from this decision, your children are likely even more hurt and confused. It is an unfortunate fact of divorce that there will be an almost certain impact on your children. Entering into respectful discussions that are focused on the wellbeing of your children demonstrates an ability of both parties to parent together and separately. It is imperative that, when dealing with child custody and visitation arrangements during your divorce proceedings, you continually advocate for what is in the best interest of your children.

If you have elected to litigate your divorce in court, you can expect extended visits with lawyers and, in some few cases, a guardian ad litem (a lawyer appointed by the Court to represent your children’s interests in the litigation) as well as a heightened stress in the family. Children are imminently perceptive, and if you choose an unpleasant divorce battle, there is not much you can do to shield your family. If you and your spouse choose a respectful, impartial family law mediation, however, you can choose to act on behalf of your children’s best interests.

Deciding what is in your child’s best interest

When you are working with your spouse and our mediators to create the best environment of custody and visitation for your children, you will want to keep some things in mind:

Mediation can lead to more detailed custodial and visitation arrangements. To fully empower your family to heal during and after divorce proceedings, you will want a custody and visitation arrangement appropriate for your family’s needs. The courts do not know your family’s true needs and circumstances from the glimpse they obtain in a court hearing.
Wishes, age, and sex of the child. After a certain age, your child may have input in what he or she wishes but the Courts are not bound by the child’s desires. While the wishes of your children might not always lend themselves to your exact custody and visitation arrangement, it is important to consider the child’s needs, desires and wellbeing. Additionally, certain considerations might be made due to the age and sex of any children from your marriage.
Mental and physical health of both parents. Mediation is most successful between two healthy parties, but there are times when mental and physical ailments might affect the ability of a spouse to care for their children. If you are concerned about issues like this, bring them up to your divorce mediator and make sure your voice is heard by an impartial and neutral party.
Children in the middle. When you are fighting over the children and other issues in the courts children may often feel an obligation to take sides or to not disappoint either parent by agreeing with each separately. The children should be kept out of the divorce fighting and the best way to do that is to work together in mediation for the children’s best interests. When you stand together on children’s issues (even if you have different views of child rearing) the children benefit most.
School and community. If your child is thriving in his or her current school and community, it will often be best to continue that trend, if it is possible given your circumstances. If a parent is moving away, that should be a consideration in the custody agreement.

The Courts will consider several factors:

The factors below are what is considered in the Virginia Code- which is where our office based out of. Your local laws may differ, but this is a good baseline:

The factors below are what is considered in the Virginia Code- which is where our office based out of. Your local laws may differ, but this is a good baseline:
The age and physical and mental condition of the child, giving due consideration to the child’s changing developmental needs;
The age and physical and mental condition of each parent;
The relationship existing between each parent and each child, giving due consideration to the positive involvement with the child’s life, the ability to accurately assess and meet the emotional, intellectual and physical needs of the child;
The needs of the child, giving due consideration to other important relationships of the child, including but not limited to siblings, peers and extended family members;
The role that each parent has played and will play in the future, in the upbringing and care of the child;
The propensity of each parent to actively support the child’s contact and relationship with the other parent, including whether a parent has unreasonably denied the other parent access to or visitation with the child;
The relative willingness and demonstrated ability of each parent to maintain a close and continuing relationship with the child, and the ability of each parent to cooperate in and resolve disputes regarding matters affecting the child;
The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of reasonable intelligence, understanding, age and experience to express such a preference;
Any history of family abuse or sexual abuse. If the court finds such a history, the court may disregard the factors in subdivision 6; and
Such other factors as the court deems necessary and proper to the determination.

There are many other considerations in custody and visitation discussions, which you will know better than any Court can determine in a hearing lasting hours or even days. Mediation allows you to use your knowledge of your family, your children and your children’s needs in fostering a parenting plan which will be in your children’s best interest.

Divorce Mediation Can Help Couples Facing Tension and Conflict

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 15:20:00 GMT

We often hear people say some version of “There’s too much conflict in my divorce to go through mediation; it’ll never work for us.” The truth is, divorce mediation often benefits couples and families embroiled in high-conflict divorce proceedings even more, because it gets to the root of that conflict in a safe and confidential environment. Whether you and your spouse cannot stop fighting, have significant assets, want different outcomes for your children, or any other reason that has led to conflict, divorce mediation can help.

What are the leading causes of conflict in a divorce?

Every couple is different, so their sources of conflict differ as well. Just because you fight about an issue doesn’t mean you cannot reach a resolution that works for everyone. It is important to find the root cause of that conflict and address it from the beginning, so that you can both work more effectively.Most couples fight about these five things: money, sex, household chores, work and their children. However, the more appropriate way to look at this might be, most couples’ conflicts are about control, fear and fairness manifest in arguments about one of these categories. If you are enmeshed in a high-conflict divorce, the questions you may need to address include:

Does my spouse understand my values and priorities? And does he or she respect them?
What is in the best interest of my children, and are my goals aligned with those interests?
Are my concerns and fears being heard or dismissed? Are my spouse’s?
Do I feel like an equal partner in my marriage? Do I treat my spouse as an equal partner, or do I see him or her as contributing less to our marriage?

Many high-conflict divorces are rooted in feelings of inequality: one spouse feels he or she contributes more, in terms of time, money, support, etc. This is why talking openly and honestly about these feelings from the very first meeting can be so effective. Both parties can have their fears and concerns heard by neutral divorce mediators as well as the other spouse. Since the goal is to facilitate an effective resolution as easily and peacefully as possible, airing out your grievances form the beginning can help us create a strategy moving forward that addresses your needs.

How can divorce mediation help in high-conflict divorce?

Our divorce mediators are focused on helping you manage, and ultimate resolve, the conflicts you have. That could mean seeking outside assistance, with your permission, from financial experts or child psychologists or counselors. It also involves providing you with a space that is safe and neutral: because we are totally impartial, and because all divorce mediation sessions are confidential, you and your spouse can address your concerns and needs without fear of recrimination later. Our mission is to help you find a way forward that is based in trust and mutual agreement.

If you are facing a high-conflict divorce, the team at Divorce Mediation Associates, Ltd . may be able to help. We are based in Reston, and work with families throughout Northern Virginia. To reserve a consultation time with us, please call 703-665-7592 , or fill out our contact form .

Divorce Mediation vs. Divorce Litigation: Know the Pros and Cons

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 15:18:00 GMT

There are many decisions you have to make when seeking a divorce. The best options may not be straightforward, depending on your case, your spouse, your assets and property, and whether or not you have young children. For a more collaborative approach, you may consider divorce mediation. Undergoing mediation might eliminate the need for a divorce attorney to handle your case if yours has the potential to be resolved using qualified trained mediators.

Pros and Cons of Divorce Litigation

There are many reasons, both good and bad, to seek divorce litigation:

Pro: Divorces of all kinds can be handled in litigation. If your spouse seeks to acquire much more than half of your combined assets, or if the divorce grounds are contested, litigation might be necessary. Even with the best of intentions, some separating couples are unable to reach a workable agreement without the intervention of a judge. If your spouse is out of state or refuses to cooperate to try mediation, then it may be necessary to litigate the issues.
Pro: Litigation provides transparency if your spouse has been abusive. One good thing about divorce litigation is that it can neutralize an abusive spouse’s power to control domestic situations. Proceedings in divorce court are on public record, and that could be empowering for a party that has suffered years of bullying, undermining, or abuse. (However, even in these circumstances a skilled mediator may be able to help resolve the issues by being a neutral to the parties but standing in the way of bullying and abuse.)
Con: Litigation can be time-consuming. Divorce litigation is a lengthy process, and the methods of obtaining information are cumbersome and expensive for many couples. Inefficient systems can mean months or weeks pass before your court date is set.
Con: Litigation makes the parties adversaries . In litigation parties are adversaries who often time will take positions which anger and upset the other. It is not meant to heal but it is meant to decide where parties can’t. (In mediation, the parties learn to collaborate together to problem solve and resolve their respective needs and work for their mutual best interest and that of their children.)
Con: A judge makes the ultimate decision about your divorce. In mediation, you and your spouse are responsible for deciding what is best you and for your children and how to split your finances. You can be creative to minimize tax consequences and in some cases utilize the resources of the marriage in a way which best serves both parties. In divorce court, a judge makes these decisions. Judges are limited and often cannot pursue creative solutions, or if they can most often they will not do so. You can present your case, but the ultimate authority to decide lies with the court. Judges try hard, but they are human and have prejudices and human frailty.

Pros and Cons of Divorce MEDIATION

Divorce mediation is an alternate dispute resolution that some couples use to avoid contentious litigation. Some of the pros and cons of mediation are:

Pro: Mediation is considerably less expensive than divorce litigation. When you are involved in complex divorce litigation, your lawyer typically charges hourly fees which quickly grow. These hours can really add up if the litigation proceeds for months or even years, as it often does. Many times, mediation is tens of thousands of dollars less expensive than doing everything with lawyers through court litigation and conflict.
Pro: You are in charge of crafting your own divorce decree. When you choose Virginia divorce mediation instead of divorce litigation, you are choosing to take control of your life after divorce. You and your spouse will collaborate with the assistance of a skilled mediator to determine what is best for the future of your family as it reconfigures. You will be able to arrive at solutions which a Court would not order or could not order but provide best for the future of you and your spouse. If you opt to do everything in court, a judge will be in charge of deciding what constitutes the best interests of your children, you and your finances.
Pro: Your children’s well-being matters. Parental conflict that is unresolvable and bitter is more harmful to children in a divorce itself. If you have children and wish to lessen the impact of the difficulties divorce can bring and the emotional toll it can have on parties and children alike, mediation could be a more solution-focused method of obtaining resolving the issues and obtaining a divorce.
Con: Mediation proceedings are not on public record. Some people would prefer that the details of their divorce be on public record. Mediation is a private undertaking, and the details of mediation proceedings are generally confidential and not made public (except the marital settlement agreement is often filed with the Court).

If you believe that mediation is a way you might prefer to resolve the differences with your spouse in order to obtain a divorce you may wish to contact us at Divorce Mediation Associates.

7 Tips for Proposing Divorce Mediation to Your Spouse

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 15:16:00 GMT

People often assume that divorce mediation is only effective when both parties are in complete agreement (or close to complete agreement) about how they wish to proceed. Just because the two of you are not getting along, however, does not preclude the option of mediation. In fact, if you and your spouse are struggling to maintain an amicable relationship, or if you feel things have become too adversarial, mediation could help you come back together long enough to plan out how your future will go. An experienced professional mediator can help reestablish communication at least for purposes of planning your future.

Here are seven tips that will help you formulate your plan for what you want to say to your spouse to encourage them to accept the option of divorce mediation:

Learn about divorce mediation first before proposing it to your spouse. Find out how the process works so that you can explain it clearly and answer a few basic questions about the process. Find out how much it costs, and which mediators are available where you live.
Come from the position of sharing information about divorce mediation rather than trying to give him or her the hard sell. Present the information you have gathered to your spouse, and allow him or her time to digest it. You can make an argument for why you think this is the best option for you without demanding that he or she agree to mediation. Being firm and positive about the experience, as opposed to “pushy,” can help ease some of the tension.
Allow your spouse to do his or her own research into mediators. While we believe you should compile your own list of preferred mediators and services, your spouse may want to do the same. If he or she seems adamant about a particular mediator, and you are undecided, agree to that person or firm’s services. Or, ask your spouse to attend a consultation with your choice, and then do the same with his or her choice.
Be realistic about costs and timelines . Divorce can be very expensive, and very time-consuming. Divorce mediation, however, comes with a set timeline that works for you, and costs significantly less. Presenting this option as a way to save money and time may prove more effective.
Emphasize that mediation is a process that can protect each spouse’s rights. Relay that a good mediator includes education about the divorce process and each party is treated equally.
Emphasize that your finances require special attention. If your family’s finances are complicated, an experienced mediator has the knowledge to understand your financial situation. If it is necessary, mediation will include bringing a neutral CPA or financial specialist into the mediation process.
Do not give up if your first attempt is met with a lukewarm response. Your spouse may need time to think about the process, and come to his or her own conclusions. If he or she did not seem thrilled at the prospect of mediation, wait a few days and then broach it again. Be calm and open when you ask if he or she has had enough time to consider the process, and be willing to wait a bit longer if that is what it takes.

How Divorce Mediation Helps You Resolve Conflicts More Effectively

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 14:48:00 GMT

When most people think of divorce mediation, they assume there is one mediator who moves back and forth between a divorcing couple, trying to get both parties to compromise. While “shuttle” mediation is a real technique, we have found that it grants most of the power to the mediator himself or herself, and not to the couple who is trying to resolve their differences. Sometimes it works, and sometimes couples leave their mediation session more entrenched in their beliefs that they are “right.” (Shuttle mediation may have a role in certain cases, but generally not divorce case.)

Instead, we aim to eliminate conflict by working with both parties. Instead of trying to force a compromise, we create an environment where both parties can feel free and comfortable to express their desires and their fears, and work through the conflicts together. In our process the parties and the mediators collaborate together to find solutions to the parties problems and needs as the family “uncouples”.

First, let us clear up a common misunderstanding: not all conflict is necessarily bad. All “conflict” means is “disagreement,” and disagreements are not inherently unhealthy. In fact, a couple who never disagrees about anything could be exhibiting more signs of an unhealthy relationship that the couple who has different viewpoints.

Conflict is a regular part of any divorce, but sometimes, conflicts can escalate. If one spouse becomes angry, belligerent or aggressive, he or she is exhibiting high-conflict behaviors. High-conflict responses can also be the exact opposite of what you assume. Avoiding disagreements at all costs, retreating into oneself and being unresponsive, assuming the outcome will be negative: all of these count as high-conflict behaviors, too.

When we say we aim to resolve conflicts, we mean that we aim to help two people who disagree on a given subject find a way to come to an agreement about it. For example: let’s say that you and your spouse have agreed to legal custody of your children (meaning, you agree to make decisions about their education, their healthcare and their religious upbringing together), but you cannot agree how you wish to handle physical custody. You want your child’s primary residence to be with you, and so does your spouse. You know there is no way to exactly divide the nights and days your children live with you – so what can you do?

This is a conflict that must be resolved. Our goal is to provide you the tools and information you need so that you can reach an agreement – or resolve your conflict – regarding the physical custody of your children. One of the benefits of making these decision in mediation is that we can help you design a more creative, individualized parenting agreement that a court could not and /or would not. You can be more creative with vacation time, weekends, holidays and nights spent at your home. You can name specific areas where you might be more flexible (say, birthdays or family reunions), with the understanding that both parties agree to the plan. You know your children and personal circumstances better than any judge will know from hours or even days of contentious litigation. Presumably, both parties care most about the best interest of their children and are in a better position to figure out how to accomplish that then a judge. Unfortunately, judges though they try hard, perceive another garden variety divorce case, but to you this is your divorce…happening to your family… and you can come up with creative solutions if you work together with your spouse and our mediators to find the best resolution.

Conflict is not bad, and neither you nor your spouse should feel guilty about disagreeing with one another about how to move forward. As long as you both agree to be willing participants in your mediation sessions, and to try something new that is designed to leave both parties feeling confident and satisfied with the decisions, you may be able to resolve the conflicts you have and come out as friends (or at least as civil co-parents) when all is said and done. Instead of contentious litigation and legal posturing you will be working together to find the right solutions for your unique family.