Q: I want shared custody of my daughter but her mother won't do mediation. What can I do next?
I got to see my daughter twice for 3 hours in a year. We tried mediation and her mother didn't want to continue it. The magistrate said my options were to go to trial or get a lawyer? I'm not sure what each mean and what to do. I have another court date on April 23 at 1 pm.
A: The magistrate is correct. If she won't voluntarily let you see your daughter, then you need to get a court order. This is typically a lot easier with a lawyer assisting you, particularly if you need to have a trial over the matter.
A: Mediation is merely voluntary negotiations. This means that if the parties don't agree, as is your case the matter must be decided by the court. Courts decide matters by holding trials. If you truly want shared custody you need to invest in hiring a lawyer to represent you in court. Look for one who practices family law regularly in the county which is trying your case. Good luck.
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