How Long Does Counseling or Mediation Take?Court-ordered child custody recommending counseling or mediation sessions can last for different amounts of time in each jurisdiction. Some courts are only able to offer parents 1-hour appointments. Others can work with parents during one or more appointments that last 2 hours to 3 hours each. Because each court has different resources available to help parents, this is an important question to ask when you set up your counseling or mediation appointment. If parents want more time with a mediator, it might make sense to contact a mediator in the community who can spend more time. Private mediators often work with parents for 4 to 6 hours over the course of one or more appointments. While working with a private mediator will cost the parents money, it can be a valuable way to resolve their differences and work out a comprehensive parenting agreement that will support their child and work well for their family situation.
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