Where Can I Find A Neutral Third Party?

[Anonymous]

My ex and I have a great coparenting relationship as we share joint legal and physical custody. After almost ten years, we've reached our first impasse. One of us believes our child should return to in-person learning and the other disagrees. There are IEP and disability concerns, which neither of us dispute. Our child made extraordinary gains over the years, and we both agree that much of it seems to have been erased during the pandemic. Where we disagree is on whether or not the benefits of going back outweigh the risk. This is the first time we've been unable to come to a consensus, so we're looking for information on how to quickly find a neutral third party like a mediator to serve as our tie-breaker. How does this work, and how much does something like this usually cost?

[Anonymous]

Mediation is by the hour. Each party pays half. But keep in mind that both parties bring their attorney to mediation so you're also paying them by the hour also.

Collectively, you two may spend $5,000? It may be worth hiring a tutor for your kid instead.

[Anonymous]

Would you consider an education advocate or education law attorney? Since what you need is not really mediation but a “tie-breaker” that person could look at the facts and make a recommendation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mediation is by the hour. Each party pays half. But keep in mind that both parties bring their attorney to mediation so you're also paying them by the hour also.

Collectively, you two may spend $5,000? It may be worth hiring a tutor for your kid instead.

+10000

[Anonymous]

Does your child have an opinion?

[Anonymous]

Where are you located? What does your custody agreement say? In DC / MD there are specific parent coordinators for this type of disagreement. Google for one in your area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mediation is by the hour. Each party pays half. But keep in mind that both parties bring their attorney to mediation so you're also paying them by the hour also.

Collectively, you two may spend $5,000? It may be worth hiring a tutor for your kid instead.

This!!!

[Anonymous]

You’re kidding right? How about getting a friend or family member to mediate. A mediator costs money. You might as well use that money for a private tutor as PP was suggesting.

[Anonymous]

You're actually looking for an arbitrator, not a mediator. You could do this cost effectively if you both agree not to use lawyers and agree to be bound by the decision of the arbitrator.

That said, you need to check with your lawyer to see if that is actually enforceable in your state and under the terms of your custody agreement in case the other party renegs if the decision doesn't go their way.