My situation changed and I want to adjust the schedule. I've got more flexibility with my new job and can take the kids more. Don't want to go full court battle because that gets expensive and messy. Is mediation actually worth trying or should I just lawyer up from the start? Looking for real experiences here not just what Google tells me.
More flexibility is a good thing to use as leverage in mediation. Frame it around what's better for the kids, not about you. Shows good faith and usually gets better results than going in hot about changes.
I'd start with mediation. It's worth trying the collaborative approach first. If she won't budge after that, then you know you need a lawyer. But good mediators can work miracles.
If you guys are on decent terms and both willing to cooperate, mediation is way cheaper and faster than lawyers. Lawyers are for when things get ugly. What's the other parent saying about the schedule change?
Mediation first, lawyer if mediation doesn't work. A mediator can help you both figure out what's actually best for the kids without the adversarial side. Plus way less expensive.
I'm going through something similar and seriously look into mediation. Even just one or two sessions helped us get on the same page about what the new schedule could look like.
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Mediation is usually the way to go if you guys can afford it and she's willing. It's cheaper than a lawyer and less adversarial. Only go lawyer route if she's being unreasonable about working something out.