Separation and divorce are always difficult, but when children are involved, the process can become even more complex. At Family & Finance Mediation 1st, we recognise that your children’s well-being is paramount. We believe that even amidst the challenges of separation, children deserve to feel heard and understood. Family mediation provides a platform for constructive dialogue, both about finances and your family, enabling you and your ex-partner to make arrangements that prioritise your children’s needs. 

What is Finance Mediation?

Finance mediation specifically focuses on helping separating couples reach agreements about their finances. This can include dividing assets such as property, savings, and investments, as well as determining spousal maintenance and making arrangements for pensions. Our mediators help you both understand your financial situation, explore different options, and negotiate fair and sustainable solutions that consider the needs of both parties and, importantly, the impact on any children involved.

What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation can be a part of a finance mediation discussion, where a neutral mediator, helps you and your ex-partner communicate effectively and reach agreements on important issues. At Family & Finance Mediation 1st, our mediators are highly skilled in facilitating discussions about a wide range of topics, including:

• Financial matters: Dividing assets, agreeing spousal support, and reaching agreements on pensions and other financial concerns.
• Parenting arrangements: Creating co-parenting plans and deciding on living arrangements for your children.
• Other family-related concerns: Addressing any other issues that may arise during the separation process.

Our mediators don’t take sides or impose solutions. Instead, they guide you through productive conversations, helping you explore options and find solutions that work for your unique family situation.

Child-Focused Mediation: Keeping Your Child at the Center

Even when children aren’t directly involved in the mediation sessions, or the conversations are focussed on finances, their needs and well-being remain the central focus. Our mediators encourage you to consider your child’s perspective when making decisions about financial matters and parenting arrangements. They may ask questions like:

• “How can we ensure our child feels loved and supported in both homes?”
• “What are our child’s routines, and how can we maintain stability for them moving forward?”

The goal is to reach agreements that prioritise your child’s emotional and practical needs, fostering a healthy and supportive environment for their growth and development.

Child Inclusive Mediation: Letting Your Child be Heard

Family & Finance Mediation 1st also offers Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM), an approach that gives children a direct voice in the mediation process. CIM provides a safe and neutral space for children to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns with a specially trained mediator.

How Does Child Inclusive Mediation Work?

• Voluntary Participation: CIM is entirely voluntary for your child. They are never forced to participate.
• Meeting with the Mediator: Your child meets individually with the mediator in a comfortable and child-friendly environment.
• Expressing their Views: Children can express themselves through words, drawings, games, or any other means they feel comfortable with.
• Confidentiality: What your child shares with the mediator is confidential, with limited exceptions (such as concerns about their safety).
• Feedback to Parents: The mediator provides feedback to you and your ex-partner, sharing your child’s perspective without breaching confidentiality.

Is Child Inclusive Mediation Right for Your Child?

CIM isn’t suitable for every family. Our mediators will carefully assess whether it’s appropriate, considering your child’s age, maturity, and the specific circumstances of your case. Both parents must also agree to the process.

Benefits of Child Inclusive Mediation

• Feeling Heard: CIM gives children a safe space to express their feelings and have their views considered in the decision-making process.
  
• Child-Centered Focus: CIM helps parents make decisions that prioritize their child’s best interests and well-being.
  
• Reduced Stress: By giving children a voice, CIM can help reduce conflict and stress within the family.
  
• Improved Communication: CIM can enhance communication between parents and children, fostering a stronger and more supportive family dynamic.