When minor children are involved, mediation gives you the opportunity to determine legal custody and to negotiate a Parenting Plan appropriate to you and your children, as required by New Mexico Statute.

The mediator will begin with an explanation and discussion of sole and shared custody in New Mexico, discuss the differences between "legal custody" and time with your children, and help you understand the practical and legal significance of different parenting arrangements. Typical parenting arrangements will be reviewed and holiday and vacation time will be looked at as part of a comprehensive agreement.

With training in child development and age-appropriate parenting arrangements, the mediator will help you craft an agreement that maintains your bonds to your children and protects them from the difficulties that divorce may present.