Do I have to be a parent to attend mediation?

Typically, Family Dispute Resolution takes place between separated parents. The focus is on the needs of the children involved. This can include children that they have had together, or any other children that may be involved in their day-to-day activities.

However, it must be acknowledged that children have a number of influential adults in their lives, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, step-parents and friends. While parents typically make the major decisions that affect their children, in many circumstances, this responsibility is shared with other adults.

Mediation is open to any adult who has an influence on the children involved. There is rarely any harm in using such a service to make contact and calmly resolve disputes that may have arisen between care-givers. However, it may be important to seek legal advice over what the outcomes might be if the matter progresses beyond mediation to a court process.

At Blackboard Mediation, we will listen to everyone’s perspective in a dispute. If you are a non-parent care giver, our service can make arrangements so that your opinions can be heard. While we cannot oblige anyone to agree to any decisions, any adults involved can have their side of the story contribute to the negotiations of what is in the children’s best interests.

If you would like to know how mediation can work in your own situation, do not hesitate to contact our office for a free fifteen minute consultation.