When parents separate, decisions about where children live, when they spend time with each parent and how important decisions are made can be difficult. Child arrangements mediation provides a safe, structured space where parents can work through these issues and focus on what is best for their children. At Marcia Mediation, our experienced family mediators help parents find practical arrangements without relying on the court to make every decision. Whether you are beginning a separation or struggling with existing arrangements, mediation for child arrangements can help you move forward with greater clarity and less conflict. You do not need to know exactly what you want to agree before contacting us. We can explain the process, discuss your circumstances and help you understand your options
How Child Arrangements Mediation Can Help
Separation changes the relationship between two parents, but not their relationship with their children. Mediation can help parents move away from conflict and towards practical co parenting arrangements.
Our mediators can help with:
Our approach is always child focused. Rather than deciding who is right or wrong, we help parents explore solutions that reflect their children’s needs and circumstances.
Where appropriate, we can also discuss child inclusive mediation, giving children an opportunity to have their views heard.
Contacting us does not commit you to mediation or mean you have agreed to anything with your former partner.
We will discuss your circumstances, explain the process and answer your questions. Each parent will normally have an individual meeting with a mediator before joint sessions take place. This allows us to understand the situation and assess whether mediation is suitable.
If mediation is appropriate, your mediator will help you identify the issues that need to be resolved and work towards practical agreements. The mediator remains impartial throughout.
Parents who are married or meet certain legal criteria, including being named on a child’s birth certificate, may share parental responsibility.
Where parents disagree about how this responsibility should be exercised, mediation child arrangements can provide an opportunity to discuss those disagreements and work towards an agreement.
Our mediators remain impartial and focus on helping parents find practical solutions.
Every family is different. Child arrangement mediation allows parents to create arrangements around their own circumstances and their children’s needs.
Parents can explore different patterns of shared care around school, work and activities. Arrangements do not need to be an exact 50/50 split. The priority is creating a stable arrangement that works for the children.
Moving to another area or abroad can have a significant impact on children and co parenting arrangements. Mediation gives parents an opportunity to discuss their concerns and explore options that put the children’s welfare first.
Christmas, school holidays and birthdays can become difficult after separation. Mediation can help parents agree arrangements in advance, reducing uncertainty and conflict while allowing children to enjoy important occasions with both sides of their family.
Parents may have different views about education, healthcare or religious upbringing. Mediation provides a structured environment to discuss these differences and work towards an agreement focused on the child’s welfare.
Where appropriate, we can also signpost parents towards parenting coaches, child therapists and other co parenting resources.
The purpose of child arrangements mediation is not simply to reach an agreement. It is about helping separated parents establish a way of working together that can continue as their children grow.
Where parents reach an agreement, we can explain the options available if they wish to formalise it. Our aim is to reduce conflict, improve communication and help parents move forward with greater confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mediation for child arrangements gives parents an opportunity to discuss important decisions with the support of an impartial professional.
Rather than asking a court to decide arrangements, parents can work together to find solutions that reflect their family’s circumstances. This can reduce conflict and give parents greater ownership of the arrangements they make.
Simply contact Marcia Mediation. We can discuss your circumstances, explain the process and answer your questions.
If mediation is suitable, each parent will normally have an individual meeting before any joint sessions take place.
Yes. Child arrangements mediation online can be suitable where attending in person is difficult or parents live in different locations.
We can discuss whether online mediation is appropriate for your circumstances when you contact us.
Mediation can help parents discuss issues that may otherwise lead to an application for a Child Arrangements Order.
Where parents reach an agreement, they may decide to formalise it. Our mediators can explain the options available, although they do not provide legal advice or make decisions for either parent.
If you have any questions, call us on 0330 236 7450 or fill out this form
