What is mediation?

In Wisconsin, parents are encouraged to participate in mediation to resolve disputes regarding custody and placement of their children. A mediator is a neutral person that sits down with both parents and helps the two of you work through your disagreement. Mediators have obtained specialized training in mediation. They may or may not be attorneys. While the goal of mediation is to reach an agreement, a mediator will not force parents to agree or tell parents that they are wrong for having specific feelings or concerns. In Wisconsin, mediation can be ordered by the court when a dispute regarding the children arises and before a guardian ad litem is appointed, if mediation is appropriate. Unless both parties agree to attend mediation with a private mediator, parties usually attend mediation orientation and attend mediation with a court-appointed mediator. Private mediators can also be used to resolve other types of disputes, such as property division in divorce, civil law suits, etc.