Child Mediation Milton Keynes | Child-Inclusive Mediator

Q: What is child-inclusive mediation?

Child-inclusive mediation is a form of mediation in which children, typically aged 10 or over, are given the opportunity to meet privately with the Mediator to share their views on the arrangements being discussed. The Mediator feeds those views back to the parents with the child's agreement. Children are not asked to make decisions or choose between parents; the aim is to ensure their perspective is heard to help parents make the decisions they wish to make.

Q: Does my child have to take part in mediation?

No. Child-inclusive mediation is entirely voluntary, and your child will only be involved if they want to be and both parents agree it is appropriate. The mediator will assess whether direct involvement is likely to be helpful before arranging it. Many cases are resolved through child mediation without any direct involvement of the children.

Q: Is child mediation suitable if there has been domestic abuse?

Mediation is generally not suitable where there has been domestic abuse where one person would be unable to participate safely and on an equal footing. Child-inclusive mediation involving children directly also involves careful safeguarding considerations. At the MIAM stage, the Mediator will assess these issues and advise whether mediation is appropriate.

Q: What issues can be resolved through child mediation?

Child mediation can cover any aspect of the arrangements for your children after separation: where they live, how they divide their time between parents, how school and medical decisions are made, holiday and travel arrangements, and how the two households communicate. It can also address how arrangements might be reviewed as the children grow older.

Q: Can both parents be in the same room during mediation?

In most cases, yes, and joint sessions are the most productive format. This can be done via video link or face to face. Where this is not appropriate, shuttle mediation can sometimes be used, with the mediator moving between separate rooms. The format best suited to your situation will be discussed at the assessment meeting.

Q: What happens if we reach an agreement at mediation?

The Mediator will prepare a confidential, non-binding Memorandum of Understanding setting out what has been decided. This document is not legally binding in itself, but it forms the basis for a Parenting Plan or a Child Arrangements Order, which can be applied for by consent and is legally binding.

Q: What if mediation does not lead to an agreement?

If mediation is unsuccessful, you can apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order. The fact that you attempted mediation will be noted. Arbitration may also be an option in some cases, allowing an Arbitrator to make a binding decision on the arrangements for your children more quickly than the court process typically allows.

Q: How much does child mediation cost?

As the mediator we offer an initial MIAM for £180 inclusive of VAT and mediation costs are then £180 plus VAT (£216) per hour per person. The cost of a child inclusive mediation session can be offered on a fixed fee basis if appropriate, which the mediator will discuss with you. Purcell do not offer legal aid for mediation.

Jump to: What the Code of Practice Requires What does resolution mean for your case? Why Us? Who We Are

Lisa Buckridge is a Family Mediation Council-accredited mediator and is fully accredited in child-inclusive mediation. She is ranked in Band 3 of Chambers and Partners, who comment:

“Lisa is an excellent solicitor who robustly and effectively represents her clients’ interests and is understanding, empathetic and extremely hard-working. She is clearly knowledgeable and confident in what she does: she is able to talk clients through the process, options and outcomes.”

If you and your former partner cannot agree on arrangements for your children and want to resolve things without going to court, our accredited Child-Inclusive Mediator (and family solicitor), Lisa Buckridge, can help.

Disagreements about children are among the hardest parts of any separation. Where children live, how much time they spend with each parent, and how decisions about their schooling and health are made: these questions matter deeply, and the pressure to get them right can make direct conversation between parents very difficult. Child mediation provides a structured space for those conversations, with an independent mediator helping both parents focus on what works for the children.

Mediation for children’s matters can cover where children live, how time is divided between parents, holiday arrangements, schooling, medical decisions, and other aspects of the children’s daily lives. For a full overview of how child arrangements are made after separation or divorce, please see our children’s law page. When children are old enough and it is appropriate, child-inclusive mediation allows their views to be heard directly by the mediator and fed back to their parents.

At Purcell Solicitors, we offer child mediation services across Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, the wider Thames Valley, and London.

Our Child Mediation Services

We can assist with child mediation in the following ways:

As the mediator

Conducting Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs), the required first step before most court applications, to assess whether mediation is suitable for your situation.
Facilitating mediation sessions (face to face or in person if appropriate) focused on arrangements for your children, including where they live and how time is divided between parents.
Helping parents agree on holiday arrangements, school decisions, and other practical aspects of parenting after separation.
Conducting child-inclusive mediation sessions if appropriate, where children typically aged ten or over can meet privately with the mediator to share their views, which are then fed back to parents with the child’s agreement.

If acting as your solicitor

Advising you individually between sessions on the proposals being discussed and what a court is likely to order if agreement cannot be reached.
Drawing up a Parenting Plan to record the arrangements agreed in mediation in a clear, practical document.
Advising on whether a Consent Order or Child Arrangements Order is needed to make the agreement legally binding.

Why Us?

Child inclusive mediation is a specialist area. The accreditation required to work directly with children in a mediation context is separate from general family mediation accreditation, and not all mediators hold it. Lisa Buckridge’s full accreditation in child inclusive mediation means that where it is appropriate and the child is willing, we can offer a process in which children genuinely participate.

For information on the broader mediation service we offer, please see our family mediation page.

Because we are family solicitors as well as mediators, we can advise you between sessions on your legal position if in mediation with a different provider. If mediation produces an agreement, we prepare the formal documents needed to record it properly. If it does not, and a court application becomes necessary, we can represent you at that stage too.

Please note that Purcell Solicitors cannot be both the mediator and legal advisors.

Please contact us on 01908 693000 or complete our contact form and our child mediation specialist will call you to discuss your situation.

Meet Our Specialist Child-Inclusive Mediator

Lisa Buckridge

Lisa is an experienced family solicitor and an accredited family mediator. Our mediation department is commended as a “highly capable department” in Chambers and Partners 2022.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can both parents be in the same room during mediation?

Does my child have to take part in mediation?

How much does child mediation cost?

Is child mediation suitable if there has been domestic abuse?

What happens if we reach an agreement at mediation?

What if mediation does not lead to an agreement?

What is child-inclusive mediation?

What issues can be resolved through child mediation?

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"I just would not have coped without Pauline’s expertise at all times, her professionalism, her patience and her kindness too. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

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I really wanted to thank you, Lisa, for all of your help and support throughout. I know you did everything that you could to assist and I appreciated your kindness, patience and all you have done for me. You took a personal approach to my case for which I am very grateful.

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I hope I can convey how much reassurance, courage, strength and importantly - professional legal advice on family matters including divorce, financial and child arrangements, that the team at Purcell's provided to me at such a difficult, emotional time.

"I hope I can convey how much reassurance, courage, strength and importantly - professional legal advice on family matters including divorce, financial and child arrangements, that the team at Purcell's provided to me at such a difficult, emotional time."