Children in Mediation

Lisa and Kristy are both trained to give a voice to children during the mediation process and this should be actively encouraged.

Children’s participation is “not the gift of the adults it’s the right of the child “and research suggests that most children want to contribute their ideas before the decisions are made about them. Parents significantly underestimate the impact of divorce and separation on their children. It is becoming the norm for children to have a chance to give their input to enable parents to decide a way forward for the family.

Usually from around aged 9 (but allowances can be made particularly where there are siblings) with parental consent the child or young person would meet in person or online with the mediators. There is a strict commitment from both parents not to discuss/brief/ influence their child. It is always at the child’s discretion as to what information or messages are fed back to their parents verbally. This ensures a safe and nurturing environment for an open discussion.