Proposed New York Legislation Looks To Mediation For Child Custody Reform

TROY, NY (05/02/2008)(readMedia)-- Dispute Resolution Professionals from across New York State will gather in the capital on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 for a day of legislative meetings to educate state representatives on an important bill that would improve the outcome for children that are caught in the middle of child custody and support disputes.

The New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) and its members are supporting legislation that would amend the Domestic Relations Law by adding a section requiring judges to screen parties going through child custody and support disputes and allow them to refer suitable participants to a mediation information session. Parties would then have the option of pursuing mediation or returning to litigation. The companion bills are sponsored by Senator William Larkin and Assemblyman Mark Weprin.

Child-centered mediation is a proven method of returning the focus to where it belongs–the best interests of children. The Child Custody Reform Act would assure that parents involved in child custody and support litigation are informed of their option to voluntarily participate in the mediation process, where such participation would be safe. Mediation provides the opportunity for parties to effectively communicate and craft a mutually acceptable agreement with the help of a neutral third party mediator.

“In child custody and support litigation, the natural love of parents is often overshadowed by fear and insecurity generated through adversarial proceedings,” said Andrea Harum Schiavoni, Esq., NYSDRA Board Member and Co-Chair of the organization’s Government Affairs Committee. “Children can suffer severe emotional, financial and educational harm when placed in the middle of adult conflict which is beyond their understanding and not of their own making.”

Following the morning (8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) legislative meeting, NYSDRA will host a luncheon at the State Room (12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.) honoring the recipient of the prestigious Andrew Thomas PeaceBuilder Award. This year’s award is being bestowed upon Dr. Marc Gopin, the James H. Laue Professor of World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University Graduate Institute on Conflict Resolution. His particular emphasis is on the role of religion and culture in not only sparking conflict, but as critical to reaching long lasting resolution between peoples and nations.

About The New York State Dispute Resolution Association, Inc. Founded in 1985, the New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) is a not-for-profit association, serving the needs of the dispute resolution field and of consumers seeking quality conflict management. Through leadership, education, promotion of professional standards and training, and development of innovative statewide programs, NYSDRA provides opportunities for people, communities, organizations and businesses to respond effectively to conflict.

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