When you separate from your partner or decide that you are ready for a divorce, child custody can be one of the most difficult things to negotiate. In most cases, both parties indicate that they want what is best for the child (or children) but practically speaking–there may be different views on exactly what that is. If you are struggling to agree on the best path forward related to child custody, the Minnesota court system may
Child custody evaluations occur frequently when custody is in question for divorcing couples, and AMS Mediation is uniquely qualified to help you through this process. Even though custody evaluations are used to ensure that the needs of your children are met, the process can still produce stress and anxiety for divorcing parents. In general, a child custody evaluation is a process by which a mental health professional evaluates the parents and children, and then makes a recommendation to the court regarding custody and visitation.
If you have a child-custody agreement with your former spouse, you may find it necessary to make a simple modification to that agreement. Similarly, if your former spouse approaches you about needing to make a simple child custody modification, you need not necessarily respond as if it is a major problem. In most cases, modifying a child custody agreement can be done without much difficulty or involving the courts. However, if your relationship with your former spouse is strained, you may at first perceive the request as a major inconvenience. In virtually all circumstances pertaining to child custody modification, though, the team at AMS Mediation can be helpful. In fact, we are confident that in most matters of child custody modification
It is a somewhat common myth that the court system favors the mother in divorce custody disputes. These assumptions are based on the long held tradition that mothers are, generally speaking, more often the primary caregivers for the children in a family. Today, however, it is just as common for mothers to work outside the home and child custody agreements are based on what is in the best interest of the children, not on who spends more time at home…
If you have been told by the court system, an attorney, or someone else helping you navigate divorce that you should use an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method to help settle the terms of your separation or divorce, you may wonder what options are available to you. An alternative dispute resolution is a method of settling disputes like custody and other divorce issues without going through the traditional court system. One very effective alternative dispute resolution method is mediation. AMS Mediation specializes in helping couples and families settle the terms of their divorce without litigation.
COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down in many ways. Many of us have been working from home for more than a year, some of our kids have not gone to in-person school since last March, and masks have become everyone’s new accessory. COVID-19 has also disrupted child custody cases all over the country, including in Minnesota. Now that we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, you may be ready to get back into your
The safety of clients, ourselves, and colleagues is our top priority while we remain available to assist you as you navigate the new and uncharted territory caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
While providing virtual ADR services was not part of our plan, we have made the necessary accommodations to ensure we can continue to serve our clients during these unsettling times. All services are currently available through virtually. We are using Zoom for videoconferencing. We suggest that you download this app to your phone or the program to your computer at https://zoom.us/download.
We have resumed limited in-person services for sessions with 1 or 2 participants scheduled for a maximum of 2 hours. Masks are required in our building and in session. Availability is subject to change based on local regulations and CDC guidelines.
Our office hours remain the same and we remain available by phone and email. The main office number is 952.252.1492. Gabe can be reached via email at gabe@amsmediationplus.com.
We offer free 1-hour divorce consultations via Zoom. Potential PC and PTE clients are invited to schedule a free 15-minute phone call. Please call 952.252.1492 to set up an appointment. We are here to help!
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all continue to adapt to these rapidly changing and chaotic times. Stay strong, stay resilient, and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Amber Serwat & Gabe Frye
ADR Professional & ADR Assistant
