Young asian girl with dark hair and a light blue t-shirt sat on a couch smiling with a hand held gaming device

Molly’s story

Molly’s parents struggled to communicate, by attending mediation they put her back at the heart of every conversation.

Molly’s parents were struggling to communicate, leaving her in the middle of the conflict with little stability.

Nine-year-old Molly’s story was shared by our Head of Mediation, Victoria Parkinson, at the McAlister Family Law sponsored fundraiser.

Molly had spent years moving between parents who were struggling to communicate after separating, leaving little stability in her life.

Through mediation, our team created space for Molly to share her experiences, helping her parents better understand the impact of their conflict on their daughter.

While colouring, playing games, and talking about her blended family, Molly opened up about wishing her parents could better understand the way she was feeling.

At the end of the session, as she helped pack away the games and crafts, she paused and said:

“You know… I think I really needed this chat.”

“Think of the last time you had a moment that eased your mind — when you chatted, or cried, or laughed and felt a weight had been lifted. Because actually ‘I really needed this chat’ isn’t just a sweet remark, it shows that the child’s inclusion had a significant positive impact, and that means everything to our mediation team.”
Victoria Parkinson, Head of Mediation

Child Inclusive Mediation helps us keep the children at the heart of every conversation which we are having with the parents. It also helps the child know that their voice matters, and that they are part of the conversation about their life and that we respect them.

Looking for more information?

Contact our Mediation team on 0303 003 1005 or email [email protected]

Email the mediation team

Where to next?

a young boy in a football kit tying his football boots on a field

Child Inclusive Mediation

Child inclusive mediation allows children to talk about their feelings and express the outcomes they’d like to see.

A mother is sitting on a couch with her two young children, engaging with a tablet. The toddler on her left is holding the tablet, focused on the screen, while the baby in her lap gazes at it curiously. The family appears to be in a cozy living room with warm lighting and a blurred background, suggesting a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere at home.

What is the FM5 form?

The FM5 form is used in the family courts following an application for an order regarding children or finances.