closed mediation

[Janus]

ex and I have been doing closed mediation, and we have agreed on joint custody and week about access.

Congratulations!

A concern mediator had raised way before we began is sometimes parents walk into mediation, agree, and then walk out and nothing happens.

It is very possible, probably happens quite often.

If it does happen that the other parent changes their minds, can the final draft parenting plan be put before a judge after closed mediation?

Of course not, otherwise the mediation would not be "closed". The entire point of closed mediation is that the draft parenting plan cannot be put before a judge. Well, I guess the real point is that the arguments cannot be put before a judge, but I imagine a judge would take a dim view of being given anything from a closed mediation session.


More to the point, unless you guys signed something and obtained independent legal advice, even an agreement reached in open mediation would be worthless.

While I like to think other parent and I are genuine about wanting to do joint custody and equal access moving forward, we are still working to build trust and there is some doubt that she may change her mind, and wondering what would or could happen in that situation ?

then you would have wasted your time in mediation. Be very very very nice for the next few weeks until your agreement is actually signed.

[dadonown]

Doesn't the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) have bearing?