Parenting Arrangements

Children can and do thrive after their parents have separated. Whether they thrive or just survive depends almost entirely on the choices their parents make. Factors that are known to benefit children are the parents ability to work things out for themselves without getting too entrenched in the family law system. Mediation is very effective for those parents who wish to put their children’s self esteem and well being first. Arrangements made at mediation include: how the children will spend time with each parent, how the parents will communicate with each other and with the children when they are not with them, what will happen in the holidays and other special occasions.

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Parenting Plans

A parenting plan is a document in writing, that has been signed and dated by each parent. It has legal weight in relation to child support and maybe taken into account by a court but it is not legally enforceable. Parents who need flexibility will often choose to have a parenting plan as it can be easily updated. This is especially important when children are very young and their needs are changing rapidly. It allows the parents to change the plans according the child’s development.

Parenting Plan Guide

Many children worry about what will happen to them when their parents separate. It is best for children if parenting arrangements become clear and predictable early on. Working out a parenting plan as soon as possible has many benefits. It helps the children get into a regular routine which helps then feel safe and secure. It is a great relief for parents and provides certainty around when the children will be spending time with them. This enables parents to plan and prepare for that time. There are many topics that are useful to include. Download our free Parenting Plan Guide Now to get started.

Child Consultant

A child consultant in family mediation is an experienced professional who has been specifically trained to work with children whose families are going through divorce or separation. They will speak with the child or children individually and separately from the parents. Both parents need to consent to their child or children working with a child consultant. The child consultant will then work with the mediator and the parents to bring the voice of the child or children into to the mediation. The mediator may also be trained as a child consultant and may work with the child or children separately and then work with parents as well.

Consent Orders

Consent Orders can be about parenting arrangements as well as financial arrangements. Once both parties have reached an agreement at mediation about parenting and/or financial matters they can formalise the arrangements by making an application to the court for consent orders and attaching the details of the arrangements.

Relocation Of Children

Moving your children away from where they have been living that results in it being difficult for the children to continue spending time with the other parent may be seen as relocating the children. This is especially true if a parent wishes to move towns, interstate or overseas. Relocation matters can be quite complex. If you move the children without the consent of the other parent or a court order a court may require you to return the children. Mediation enables parents to share their views about relocation openly. If they are unable to come to an agreement they will still have the option of having a court decide for them. After mediation parents are likely to have more cost-effective sessions with their solicitors and take less time in court, saving time and money.

Grand Parents

Grandparents can be an important source of stability for children when parents are separating. They may have had a close and nurturing relationship with their grandchildren and be hopeful that they can continue to see them despite the parents no longer being together. Not being able to continue a relationship with their respective grand-parents can cause heartbreak for the children and add to the loss they may already be experiencing. Grandparents can initiate mediation in their own right in order to work out a solution as to how the children might still be able to see them.

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