Menu
Free Family Mediation helps parents discuss the arrangements around children access.
Free Family Mediation Services
In family breakdowns, or where there are difficult issues to be resolved, the problem is even more sensitive when children are involved. Despite difficulties between partners or spouses and even when separation or divorce is the only option available, the interests of any children must be central to all decisions.
This can sometimes be difficult for the whole family when partners or husbands and wives frequently quarrel or cannot come to mutual understanding.
One of the most contentious problems between separating or divorcing couples is the access to children and how to resolve this in an amicable and practical way so that what is best for the children is considered first and foremost.
It can be problematic for couples who are in this position to think clearly and objectively, and mediation is an excellent way of supporting parents to come to a decision about care for the children that is most beneficial for all parties.
Mediation can be both informal or in a more formal setting which many families find particularly helpful, as a professionally qualified mediator they can allow all parties to have a voice and promote good communication and work through conflict and issues.
The end result is often a written agreement that the qualified mediator drafts with real, workable solutions that both parents have agreed to in a calm and neutral setting.
There are many benefits to mediation including the fact that it can often find solutions without the need for court which can be costly, time-consuming and, more importantly it can preserve some of the family structures and foster understanding and decision-making.
Our accredited family mediators are confidential and non-judgmental, they approach your situation from a neutral point of view and the process can take a huge stress off the shoulders of parents in conflict to allow them to enter into productive negotiations and valid solutions.
Research has shown that, particularly for younger children, it is vital to get child access arrangements settled in a way that supports their extensive need for consistent caregiving, regular access and quality interactions so that children do not become withdrawn or disturbed by any new arrangements.
Older children will have different needs that are no less important when drawing up agreements for access.
Good quality mediation services have been shown to be the best way in supporting parents, children and extended family members such as grandparents to move forward in difficult circumstances. For mediation meeting information speak to our team today.
Obviously, the issues with regard to child access can be complicated and will involve other parties such as grandparents and other relatives as well, and a mediation service is the first step to allow parents to logically work through important decisions in detail until an agreement is reached.
A qualified mediator can allow both parties to see things more practically from first steps and will help to assess things such as children’s age, temperament and understanding of the situation. Separation or divorce is often more traumatic for younger children but with effective mediation, a suitable pattern of routine and security can be developed to protect children as much as possible.
A MIAM session, or Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, is a brief session with an experienced mediator. During this first meeting, you’ll receive details about how the mediation process and how it can help in resolving your concerns. The mediator will evaluate whether mediation suits your specific situation to resolve your important decisions.
Older children may have more understanding of the situation, but in both cases, it is necessary to tread gently and establish effective visits, interactions with significant others and predictability and consistency in arrangements.
Speak to our team to take the next steps into family mediation and to explore the different options to resolving conflict.