Can couples agree on their own custody arrangements?
Not only can couples submit custody arrangements to court for approval by the judge or commissioner, but this is the preferred method. Parents are often required or encouraged to create “parenting plans” or other similar documents that specify living and visiting arrangements for children.Mediation is one way in which parents might go about coming to agreement on custody issues. Some jurisdictions require that couples at least make a good-faith attempt at coming to agreement through mediation. Mediation is useful in that self-determination of parties is crucial. The theory is that people are more likely to honor agreements that they have fashioned themselves. Thus, the hope is that the process will be less adversarial, promote the best interest of children, and result in fewer modifications.Parent education programs are another tool that couples use to help them come to mutually satisfying agreements and limit conflict over the long term.
