Are you parents? Are you going through a separation or divorce?
First things first, seek help from a Family Mediator who can assist with your family conflict.
We know that children want to have their say, so allow us to guide you, as parents, to consider a child inclusive mediation service.
As parents, how can Family Mediation help us separate both amicably and positively?
If you are parents going through a divorce or separation, know that the impact of your severance can be very complex for your children to understand.
Children, as well as adults, feel the stress and confusion of a separation that’s why it’s important they are considered throughout the entire process.
At Family Mediation Solutions, we’re renowned for providing help to families in conflict, especially those divorcing or separating with children in the middle.
On average, we find ourselves working on anywhere up to 30 child-inclusive mediation cases per year within our large network of locations across England & Wales. And with over 40 years’ combined experience in family mediation we know that approximately 88% of our clients are going through the exact same issues as you – right now.
If you are seeking family mediation advice, read on for a break down of the Parent or “Child Inclusive” Mediation process
The 4 Step Parental Mediation Process
TRIED AND TESTED CHILD INCLUSIVE MEDIATION
Step 1
Initial Meeting with Mediator (MIAMS)
The first meeting where both parents meet separately with one of our mediators - commonly known as a MIAM. This provides you with the opportunity to find out how mediation can work for you and your family and introduce the concept of bringing your child or children into the process. This meeting usually lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
Step 2
Parents agree to include Children
The first mediation session is the where we will explain how child-inclusive mediation works and the rules of confidentiality in meeting a child. This is covered in a document called an Child-Inclusive Agreement to Mediate. Both parents will be asked to sign this before meeting with your child, otherwise we cannot proceed with CIM.
Step 3
Meeting with your Children
During this session it's important your child feels comfortable, secure and safe to express their views without unfair bias to one parent or another. We'll work with them to ascertain their true wishes and feelings and as to whether there are any messages they would like to relay to either parent or in relation to their arrangements. This is a safe space for your children to say what they think is important to them at this point in their life whilst you are going through this change.
Step 4
Reporting back to Parents
After meeting your children, the Mediator will have agreed a list of their comments and opinions that they would like to feedback to you. This usually helps parents focus on change and arrangements more specifically tailored to your changing needs and those of your children, in more complex circumstances it may be necessary to have further meets with your children to ensure their voices are heard as your family circumstances evolve.
Looking for more information on our 4-step parental mediation process?
Call us today on 0151 318 1128
Frequently Asked Questions from Parents
A: Yes. Where children are involved in a change of circumstances or separation we will give parents the option of allowing their children to have their voices heard by meeting with a mediator on their own.
A: As per the GOV.UK recommendation all children over the age of 10 ought to have the option to have their voices heard as part of parental separation. As Mediators, we wouldn’t necessarily rule out speaking to younger children, each family will be considered uniquely.
A: Unfortunately, for child-inclusive mediation to take place both parents need to consent this.
A: Children will meet the mediator on their own. If there is more than one child then the mediator will spend time with each children separately at some point throughout the process.
A: This is always a concern for parents, at Family Mediation Solutions we are trained to work with children in an age appropriate way, asking non-direct questions to allow a child to truly divulge their wishes and feelings. Ultimately, any decision making process lays with the parents as to the future arrangements whilst being sensitive to the views of their children.
Need more answers?
Call today on
0151 318 1128
10 Benefits of Parental Mediation
- Our parental mediation process enables children to be consulted and heard by both parents
- Our mediators allow children to ask questions and contribute ideas
- Our process can give children the opportunity to express worries or concerns
- Our qualified professional mediators are experienced and sensitive towards matters involving children
- Parental Mediation provides a fast, cost effective way of resolving children issues without the need to go to court
- Parental mediation can ease communication and reduce tension in parent-child relationships
- We can give children an opportunity to see a mediator alone to talk about their feelings and concerns without worrying how their parent will hear them
- It allows you, your co-parent and your children to decide on the best arrangements that work for everyone
- Everything discussed at a mediation is ‘without prejudice’ and cannot be used later as evidence in court
- Mediation is now recommended as the first step prior to entering any courtroom
Looking to speak to a professional today?
Use our online call booking tool to schedule in a quick chat with one of our highly trained Parental Mediation professionals