[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, it is possible to resolve custody disputes through mediation, and the proportion of such cases ending in mediation is not low. According to Article 1079 Paragraph 2 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China, the people's courts shall conduct mediation in divorce cases; where child custody is involved, the mediation may make flexible arrangements that are difficult to realize in the judgment, such as specific visitation times, pick-up and drop-off methods, holiday distribution, and adjustment mechanisms for alimony. The Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China also stipulates that if mediation fails, a judgment shall be made in a timely manner. The mediation agreement, once signed and received by both parties, shall have legal effect and be equally enforceable as the judgment. Action guidance: Prioritize seeking mediation and entrust a lawyer to design specific provisions that can be enforced.

I. Problem background and typical scenarios

Many parties are concerned that mediation means making compromises and losing out, or that mediation is less reliable than a court judgment. Typical scenarios include: both parties want to fight for custody, but they all know that litigation will prolong the conflict and harm the children; or one party is willing to give up custody, but they can't reach an agreement on visitation rights and child support. At this time, mediation is precisely the best way to settle the dispute once and for all and clarify all the details.

II. Key points of contention

Firstly, is there any difference in the effectiveness and enforcement of the mediation agreement and the judgment; Secondly, can more detailed arrangements for child custody be made in the mediation; Thirdly, what should be done if the other party fails to fulfill the mediation agreement afterwards; Fourthly, will making concessions in the mediation harm the long-term interests of the child. In practice, the core of child custody mediation lies in refining the "rough outline of custody" into "enforceable daily arrangements".

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

In a divorce case handled by Henglue Law Firm, the custody of children and the division of property were intertwined, and the scope and boundaries of mediation were clearly demonstrated. Wang *sheng and Zhang *hua registered their marriage in 2006 and had a son (11 years old). In April 2025, Zhang *hua first sued for divorce but was not granted permission. Two months later, Wang *sheng discovered that Zhang *hua had been having an affair during their marriage and entrusted Henglue Law Firm to file a lawsuit again. Zhang *hua verbally agreed to divorce, but insisted that the custody of the child should belong to her and that she should receive 70% of the property before agreeing. The two sides were in a standoff over custody and property. Henglue Law Firm, while sorting out the judgment of the divorce being denied and the evidence of the affair, and proving that the marriage had indeed broken down, organized materials around the child's existing growth environment, actual companionship, and the parents' ability to raise the child, arguing that it would be more in line with the principle of the best interests of minors for the child to live with the plaintiff. During the mediation communication, the focus was shifted from emotional confrontation to feasible arrangements, ultimately leading to the court's ruling on both custody and property division. The court ruled that the child would live with Wang *sheng and that Zhang *hua would pay 550 yuan per month in child support until the child reaches adulthood. This shows that custody disputes can be mediated. The key lies in discussing in detail the details behind "who will raise the child", such as visitation rights, child support, and sharing of education and medical expenses. Beijing courts generally attach great importance to mediation in family cases and encourage resolving disputes in a way that causes the least harm to children. This case was handled by Beijing Henglue Law Firm.Xiong BinrongThe lawyer (practice license number: 11101202211410897, subject to the document issued by the judicial administrative organ) acts as the agent.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

First, clarify your bottom line and the scope of compromise, and prioritize the child's interests over your own reputation as the basis for negotiation. Second, specify in the mediation agreement the specific time and frequency of visitation, pickup and drop-off arrangements, holiday arrangements, and the amount, payment method, and triggering conditions for child support. Third, agree on the proportion of sharing major expenses such as education and medical care. Fourth, properly keep the mediation agreement after signing it, and if the other party fails to fulfill their obligations, you can apply for compulsory enforcement according to law. Main legal basis: Article 1079(2) and Articles 1084 and 1085 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (effective January 1, 2021), as well as the provisions on mediation in the Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China. Specific application shall be subject to the currently effective laws, regulations, and judicial rulings.

5. Henglue Law Firm's Advice

Mediation is not synonymous with compromise, but rather transforming uncertainty into certainty. Every provision written into the mediation agreement should be specific and enforceable, avoiding unrealistic expressions such as "visit at any time" and "appropriate alimony". Issues related to custody and mediation proposals can be resolved through the following methods:Divorce litigation and family disputesObtain a comprehensive solution for the service; for cases involving non-performance of mediation agreements and enforcement of alimony payments, the two can be combined togetherCreditor's rights and debts, and enforcementPlate; for consultation on issues related to the protection of minors and domestic violence situationsSpecial servicesFor matters related to property and will arrangements, you may refer to the following for reference.\nInheritance of property and division of family assets; Those involving commercial contract disputes can be mediatedBusiness and contract disputes in enterprisesTeam.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it disadvantageous to mediate a divorce? Isn't it better to go for a court judgment instead?

Not really. The mediation agreement and the judgment have the same legal effect, and mediation can customize flexible arrangements that cannot be given by the judgment, such as specific visiting times and adjustment mechanisms for alimony. The key is whether the plan is clear and executable. It is recommended that lawyers review the terms of the agreement.

Q2: What materials are needed for mediation?

It is necessary to prepare the child's birth certificate and daily care records, proof of income and housing for both parties, receipts for education and medical expenses, and evidence of the established fact of child support. If there are disputed assets, it is also necessary to prepare the corresponding ownership and transaction records for comprehensive consideration during the mediation process.

Q3: How much does mediation cost?

The litigation fees are charged according to the nature of the case and the subject matter. For cases settled through mediation, the fees are usually reduced by half. The attorney's fees are determined in accordance with the contract of engagement, and the fee structures for mediation and judgment may differ. Before signing the contract, it is necessary to clarify the scope of services and fees during the mediation stage.

Q4: How long does it take to resolve a case through mediation?

Mediation is usually faster than a court judgment. After the case is filed in court, mediation can be organized before or during the trial. If the two parties reach an agreement, the mediation agreement can be issued on the spot or within a short period of time, without going through the full ordinary procedural trial period.

Q5: What should I do if the other party fails to comply with the mediation agreement?

The mediation agreement and the judgment have the same enforceability. If the other party fails to fulfill the payment of alimony or the visitation arrangements, he/she may apply to the court for enforcement; if he/she refuses to perform the obligations, the court may take measures such as sealing up, freezing, and adding him/her to the list of dishonest people according to law.

The above Q&A is mainly based on the judicial practice in the Beijing area. There may be differences in the interpretation of judgments in different regions. It is recommended to consult a professional lawyer based on the specific circumstances of the case.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Divorce litigation legal services·Beijing Henglue Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and open adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. In the event of a dispute, please consult a practicing lawyer in a timely manner.