Making Arrangements for Your Children After Separation – How Mediation Can Help

 Separation is never easy, especially when children are involved. One of the most important things to sort out is how your children will be cared for going forward—where they will live, when they will see each of you, and how you will stay connected as co-parents. Family mediation is a practical, supportive way to help you work through these decisions together.

What Is Family Mediation?

Family mediation gives you and your ex-partner a safe, neutral space to talk through the arrangements for your children. A trained mediator helps guide the conversation, making sure it stays focused, respectful, and centered on your children’s best interests.

Mediation is voluntary and confidential—and it can be much less stressful and costly than going to court.

What Happens If You Reach an Agreement?

If you’re able to agree in mediation, that’s a positive step forward. You don’t have to go to court, and you don’t have to complete any legal paperwork if you’re both happy to keep things informal.

It is highly recommended to write down what you have agreed in a Parenting Plan. This isn’t legally binding, but it can be a useful record and a good way to stay on the same page.

Do You Want to Make Your Agreement Legally Binding?

If you would d prefer your agreement to have legal backing, a solicitor can help you turn it into a consent order. A consent order is a formal document that sets out what you’ve agreed. It can include:

·       Where your children live

·       When they spend time with each of you

·       How other types of contact take place (like phone calls or video chats)

You both need to sign the consent order, and then apply to the court for it to be approved. Usually, there’s no need for a court hearing—a judge will look over your

agreement and, if it’s in your children’s best interests, they’ll make it legally binding.

What If Things Change Later?

Life changes, and children grow. Trying to enforce the original agreement might become challenging with teenagers. Mediation can help you revisit arrangements and make changes together.

Every family is different. My role as a family mediator is to help you find a solution that works for your family. If you’re considering mediation or have questions about child arrangements, I am here to help.