Children Mediation

Children Mediation

Q. What can we talk about in mediation?

A. You can talk about any arrangements you wish to make for your children, as well as any concerns you may have about them and how well they are coping with your situation.  Parents frequently discuss:

• Where their children are going to live

• How much time they are going to spend with each parent

• Their children’s schooling

• Holiday arrangements

•  Improving communication between each other

• What to tell the children about the separation and how to reassure them

• The financial arrangements for their children

Q. Can mediation involve grandparents and other relatives?

A.Yes, we are happy to mediate between any family members who have an interest in the child’s welfare and are entitled to be involved in decisions regarding his or her upbringing and care.

Q. Are the children involved?

A. Through all our work with you we keep your children’s needs in the forefront of our discussions. We will encourage you to think about your children, their needs and wishes rather than your own.

Where it is in the child’s interest, we will arrange for an independent Mediator to see older children and talk about their views and wishes with them.  We are very careful to maintain the children’s confidentiality and will only tell you what they ask us to tell you.  The purpose of meeting with your children is not to pass the decisions to them, but to give you information about their views which will help you make better decisions for them.

Q. Can you help if parents can’t communicate?

A. Many problems arise because parents find it difficult or impossible to talk to each other. Mediation provides a safe place where parents can talk about their children. We will manage your discussion to enable you both to think about your children and discuss their needs in a positive and constructive manner. We will also be able to help you to improve your communication and avoid the things which so often lead to arguments and bitterness.

Q. How long does it take?

A. Research has shown that most couples reach agreement in mediation in just a third of the time it would take if they negotiated the same agreement through solicitors. The majority of family mediations are concluded in two to five sessions, each lasting approximately one and a half hours.

We will be happy to discuss the probable length of your mediation at the start of the process.