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Legal Information: Michigan

Custody

Updated: 
March 27, 2024

What is mediation?

Mediation is a process by which parents attempt to reach an agreement relating to custody and visitation of their child with the help of a neutral third party, known as a mediator. There are four types of mediation in Michigan.1 The Michigan Custody Guideline includes a description of each one, including which type of mediation:

  • can be ordered by the judge or requested by the parents;
  • has to be paid by the parents and which one is free;2
  • allows for the shared information to be kept confidential;
  • allows the parents to request reports from the mediator at the end of a mediation where no agreement is reached.1

It’s important to know that the mediator often guides the discussion process between the parents and tries to come to a compromise that both parents are happy with. However, the mediator cannot force you to agree to something that you don’t want.

1 See the Michigan Custody Guideline
2 Michigan: A Guide to Custody, Parenting Time and Support