In this conversation, Lori Hawkins interviews family law attorney Bethany Mulhern, discussing her background, the intricacies of family law, and practical advice for navigating custody and school decisions. They delve into the differences between arbitration and mediation, emphasizing the importance of effective communication between co-parents to minimize conflict and ensure the best outcomes for children.Takeaways:*Bethany has been a family law attorney since 2018.*Her firm exclusively practices family law in North Carolina.*Arbitration is a binding decision made by a neutral third party.*Mediation helps parties come to an agreement without a binding decision.*Effective communication is crucial for co-parents to avoid conflict.*Parents should check their custody orders for school transitions.*Planning ahead for school schedules can alleviate stress.*Both parents should be included in school communications.*Arbitration can be a less formal and more comfortable process than court.*The school year brings more holidays and scheduling complexities.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background10:04Navigating Custody and School Decisions19:51Understanding Arbitration vs. Mediation29:57Effective Communication for Co-Parents