Children's issues

What are children's issues?

This will typically include:

• Where do the children live, and who with?
• Contact arrangements with the non-resident parent;
• Schooling
• Holidays and special days (eg birthdays)
• Parenting plans
• Maintenance who pays, how much and for how long?
• Extended families
• Step-family issues

In fact, the list includes whatever you see as an issue to be resolved around your child/children.

Mediation can help you to find a successful way forward as separated parents, by:

• Helping you recognise and remember that the breakdown of your relationship is due to differences that you and your partner have. Responsibility for this lies with you and not your child/children.
• Identifying issues you need to address regarding your children. Parents often have more points of agreement than disagreement. Identifying problems early and resolving conflict avoids getting entrenched in protracted disputes. The longer a problem is left, the worse it can become.
• Focusing on the interests of your child/children and helping you to recognise and meet their needs as parents even when you are no longer a couple. Your child/children’s best interest should always be paramount and their own wishes and feelings need to be taken into account bearing in mind the age of the child. Some FMA members have special training to allow them to see your child/children in certain circumstances. (See Direct Child Consultation)
• Encouraging you to look at ways to keep the child/children informed that you are working together, as parents and that you will do what is best for them.
• Helping you control the pace, identify the issues and solutions. You control the process and you make the decision as to what is best for your child/children, not a Judge who does not know you and your family.

Finance and Property