For separating families in Bournemouth (including the BCP area of Poole and Christchurch), Family Mediation provides a confidential and highly successful method for resolving disputes over children, finances, and property. This process becomes even more powerful when incorporating the voice of the child through Child-Inclusive Mediation (CIM).
Solent Family Mediation involves an impartial, professionally accredited mediator helping separating couples negotiate and reach joint agreements without going to the Family Court (likely the Bournemouth or Southampton courts).
What Mediation Covers;
Child Arrangements: Setting routines, residence, and contact schedules for children (often resulting in a detailed Parenting Plan).
Financial Settlements: Dividing assets, including the family home in Bournemouth, savings, investments, and pensions.
Child Maintenance: Establishing the amount and frequency of financial support for the children.
If you intend to apply to the Family Court in Bournemouth for a Child Arrangements Order or a Financial Order, you are legally required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) first, unless an exemption (like domestic abuse or urgency) applies. The MIAM is an individual meeting where the mediator assesses the case’s suitability for mediation and screens for any safeguarding issues.
If mediation is unsuitable or your ex-partner refuses to attend, the mediator will sign the necessary court form (C100 or Form A) allowing you to proceed with an application.
Child-Inclusive Mediation (CIM) is a specialised service that gives children (usually aged 10 or over) a voice in the decisions being made about their future. It is a powerful tool used by our Solent mediators in the Bournemouth area.
The CIM PROCESS
1. Parental Consent: Both parents must agree to the child participating in the CIM process.
2. Child Meeting: Our specially trained CIM mediator meets with the children separately and confidentially. Parents are not present. The child is not asked to choose between parents but is asked about their routine, feelings, and wishes regarding the arrangements.
3. Confidentiality Check: The child decides exactly what information, if any, they wish the mediator to share with their parents. The meeting remains confidential unless there are serious safeguarding concerns.
4. Feedback Session: Our CIM mediator relays the child’s agreed-upon views and feelings to both parents during a subsequent mediation session.
THE BENEFITS OF CIM FOR CHILDREN
CIM directly respects the child’s right under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to express their views on matters affecting them.
Feelings Heard: Children often feel immense loyalty conflict. CIM gives them a neutral, safe space to share their thoughts without the fear of upsetting a parent.
Better Outcomes: Hearing their children’s voices directly often has a transformative impact on parents, enabling them to make more informed decisions that truly serve the child’s best interests.
Reduced Stress: Research shows that children who feel heard during their parents’ separation tend to have better mental health outcomes.
We offer mediation hubs around the Solent Region.
Offering Civil and Family Mediation, Legal Aid Mediation.
Strictly by Appointment Only.
Location is not staffed.
Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can be arranged online
Our Bournemouth Hub – Find us at;
21 Coronation Ave, Bournemouth BH9 1TW
Call our team to book your mediation on 0238 161 1051
Family Mediation Solutions in Bournemouth - Call our Team