Mediation to Discuss Arrangements for Children

Child Arrangements Mediation

Research shows that children can cope with separation providing their parents are able to cope. What can be damaging to children is the conflict between the adults, particularly when it is ‘chronic’ (long-lasting) or entrenched. Our professional family mediation service help parents to focus on the children and how conflict can feel for them while also looking for sustainable and workable agreements.

Many separated parents find it a challenge to organise the time that each child spends with their parent. The most common problem is not being able to talk with each other effectively. After a relationship has come to an end, talking to your ex-partner can be very difficult and emotions can run high. This can make having an everyday conversation about child arrangements very difficult. In mediation, your family mediator will discuss with you both about communication strategies and possible guidelines and boundaries.

Mediators may also encourage participants to talk about clarifying new partners’ roles and how and when they should be introduced to the family.

Mediators will document the agreements reached in mediation. They might also discuss with you whether you feel you would benefit from the drafting of a parenting plan. A Parenting Plan documents agreements such as term time arrangements, holidays, birthdays and other significant days. It can also document agreed guidelines and boundaries across both homes. A helpful document to begin to consider drafting a Parenting Plan is the Cafcass Parenting Plan.