Child Custody Mediation: A Complete Guide

Custody mediation typically costs $150–$300/hour, with most cases resolving in 3–8 sessions ($1,500–$5,000 total) — far less than litigation. A mediator helps parents communicate and reach agreement but cannot impose a decision.

Agreements reached in mediation are submitted to the court for approval. Mediation is confidential — what's said cannot be used in court if mediation fails.

Many states require mediation before a custody trial. Mediation does not work well in cases involving domestic violence or extreme power imbalances..