CONTENTS
- Children in mediation
- Mediation Process
- Co-Parenting Coaching
Children in Mediation
Can our child/children attend mediation?
No. Mediation is a place for adults to discuss adult issues and make adult decisions in the best interests of their children. It is never appropriate for a child to attend, or overhear, a mediation session. To do so would be to put the child’s psychological wellbeing at significant risk. All children want is the love and approval of BOTH parents. They should never be put in a position where they feel pressured to choose one parent over the other.
My child wants to have their say, or I want the other parent to hear what our child has to say.
It can be very beneficial for the child’s voice to be heard during mediation so parents can make informed decisions together. Child Inclusive Practice provides an opportunity for the child/children to meet with a qualified child consultant in a safe and supportive space. The purpose is to provide the child/children with the opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts about the separation. The child consultant provides feedback to the mediator and both parents in a separate session. Both parents must agree to child inclusive mediation. Ask for more information.
Mediation Process
HOW LONG WILL MEDIATION TAKE?
It depends. If you already have parenting arrangements, are not in high conflict and simply want to discuss one or two issues, it will be faster than if you are in high conflict and are just starting the process. Please set up a free consultation to learn more.
IF WE BOTH AGREE TO ATTEND, CAN WE START MEDIATION IMMEDIATELY?
Not quite. Each party must attend an assessment session. If both parties are able to attend assessment in a timely manner and are willing to attend mediation, and mediation is assessed as being appropriate, then we can get started with mediation quickly. However, if one party is reluctant then it can take some time to ge things organised. It all depends on how motivated everyone is to proceed.
WHY COULD MEDIATION BE INAPPROPRIATE?
We must ensure that it is emotionally and physically safe for mediation to proceed. Mediation can be contentious. Where there has been domestic violence mediation might increase danger for the affected party. You can find more information here: