What Happens During Custody Modification/ Parent-time Mediation in Utah?
Mediation typically occurs via Zoom at a time convenient for everyone.
1. Intake and Preparation
Your mediator gathers background information and identifies key concerns.
2. Opening Session
You’ll review:
Confidentiality
Ground rules
Goals of the session
Mediation is not a courtroom. It is a guided conversation focused on resolution—not proving who is right or wrong.
3. Identifying Issues
Each parent shares their perspective while the mediator keeps the discussion focused and balanced.
4. Negotiation & Problem-Solving
You’ll work through:
Schedule adjustments
Holidays and vacations
Transportation logistics
Communication expectations
Private sessions may be used when needed to help move discussions forward.
5. Agreement (If Reached)
If an agreement is reached:
A written summary is created
It can be submitted to the court for approval
How Utah Courts Evaluate Agreements
Even when parents reach an agreement in mediation, the court must still approve it.
Judges focus on whether the agreement serves the best interest of the child, including:
The child’s emotional and physical needs
Each parent’s ability to co-parent
Stability and consistency
The strength of the parent-child relationships
Courts often favor mediated agreements because they reflect cooperation and are more likely to be successful long-term.
What Makes Parent-Time Mediation Successful?
Successful mediation is less about “winning” and more about creating workable solutions.
Come Prepared to:
Focus on your child’s needs
Be flexible and open to compromise
Think long-term rather than reacting to short-term frustrations
Avoid:
Treating mediation like a trial
Trying to prove the other parent wrong
Expecting a perfect or one-sided outcome
When Mediation May Be More Complex
Mediation can be more challenging when:
There are allegations of abuse
One parent is unwilling to participate in good faith
There is a significant imbalance in communication or power
In these situations, a skilled mediator will adapt the process to ensure fairness and safety.
About Your Mediator
At Bridging Solutions Mediation & Consulting, Shelisa York helps Utah families navigate parent-time modifications with clarity and confidence. She is a court-qualified mediator with a deep understanding of the legal system and dispute resolution.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re considering modifying parent-time in Utah, mediation may be your most effective path forward.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start building a better plan for your family.
Still Have Questions?
Visit our frequently asked questions page or give us a call to discuss.
