Is mediation the best approach to solving disagreements about child custody?

Mediation is always the best way to resolve disagreements regarding your children. You, as the parents, should be raising these children. Once you go to court, you are abdicating that right to a judicial officer who does not know you, does not know your spouse, and does not know your children. You are, at that point, raising your children by committee. If you and your former spouse can reach an agreement, it is the preferred course of action rather than having the judge or a judicial officer decide for you.