Page 17 - Best Of Local Mag July 2023 Edition

Child Inclusive Mediations

As any parent knows, a three-year-old it is they truly want if they are either not or if there’s been alleged rejection of
would gladly choose ice cream for every communicating problems with a parent a parent and the adults can’t agree
meal, while telling sixteen-year-olds to do or potentially masking over them in an on why this is occurring. They can be
something they desperately don’t want to effort to please everyone. arranged reasonably quickly and while
is a recipe for trouble. What children want There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to it is ultimately the responsibility of the
and what is best for them can be very this. However, one option is to engage adults to make the decisions, the kids get
different and so it’s a job for the adults in a ‘child inclusive’ mediation. This is to feel like they have been heard. That
to find the right balance when making where the kids meet separately with alone can make for happier households
parenting decisions. someone – usually a social worker or child for everyone, whether the kids are three
FAMILY When negotiating arrangements for psychologist – in the days leading up to or sixteen.
LAW the kids, it is important to place weight a mediation between the parents and
on what they’re saying while avoiding get to independently express their views
a scenario where too much pressure is and discuss any issues that are going on.
being placed on them. The experts tell That consultant speaks to the parents at
us that children will often say what they mediation on an array of topics such as
believe that their parent wants to hear the kids’ wishes, any areas of concern and
(and the opposite to the other parent) so ways in which the children can be best
it is perfectly normal for adults to have supported moving forward. The parents
difficulty negotiating when they’re both then negotiate armed with this insight
receiving different information. which undoubtedly brings a higher rate
WILLS In our Family Law system, kids don’t get of success at reaching an agreement.
RETIREMENT AND to attend mediation or walk in front of a Child inclusive mediations can be
judge, so it can be difficult to gauge what particularly effective with older kids,
VILLAGES ESTATES Joshua Noble is a Senior Family Law Solicitor at Zande Law Solicitors, Suite 9, Norwinn Centre, 15

Discovery Drive, North Lakes. To contact Joshua for advice, phone (07) 3385 0999.

The information in this article is merely a guide and is not a full explanation of the law. This
firm cannot take responsibility for any action readers take based on this information. When
making decisions that could affect your legal rights, please contact us for professional advice.

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July 2023 www.bestoflocal.com.au 17