In order to achieve the best custody decisions for children when parents get divorce it should be a law that every child is assigned a court appointed mediator to represent the child during the divorce to help find what the best custody decision for the child is. The court appointed mediator can help determine if one or both parents can provide a healthy home for the child with our abuse or negative influences. The mediator can also work closely with an independent psychologist to help with his efforts and the mediator can speak for the child in court or in custody negotiations so the child does not feel "caught" in the middle between his or her parents. .
The court appointed mediator would be responsible for talking to the family and determining if there had been any prior instances of physical or verbal abuse. He would also investigate if there are instances of abuse of alcohol or illegal drug use. Using the opportunity to discuss openly in one on one conversation, he will be able to receive more information in a casual atmosphere than can be collected in a court room. The judge will be able to gain more information to make his decisions.
The mediator will be responsible for finding an independent psycholgist to interview all family members. Having the mediator to locate a doctor that is independent, with out family connections would give the court the best information regarding the parenting situation the child has been living in and the best living environment in the future. The exams should be given in the manor recommended by the American Medical Association. .
The mediator can then represent the child in court by being an independent voice to present evidence of the best custody decision for the child. Having a child go to court to speak about their wishes themselves could result in problems for the child in the future because of feeling they chose one parent over the other and maybe hurt someone in the process.