Child Advocacy and Mediation

Our mediators are trained under the Missouri Supreme Court Rule 17 in Family Mediation. In the realm of child advocacy, mediation operates on the principle that parents, rather than the court, are best suited to determine their children's future post-divorce. While mediation demands effort, it provides a platform for parents to clarify their children's best interests and devise solutions tailored to each child's unique needs.

Within the mediation process, various aspects are addressed, including:

• Legal and Residential Custody

• Living Arrangements

• Parenting Schedule

• Holiday and Vacation Planning

• Special Events and Celebrations

• Parental Responsibilities

• Childcare Arrangements

• Special Needs Considerations

• Travel Logistics

• Access to Information

• Extracurricular Activities

• Family Relationships

• Education Provisions

• Relocation Plans

• Future Modifications

Emphasizing the importance of educational planning, parents or guardians are encouraged to make decisions regarding their children's schooling early on. Delving into specifics such as funding commitments, savings strategies, and financial obligations ensures clarity and foresight in addressing future educational needs.

Parent-Child Mediation

Although often not spoken about, parent-child conflicts are commonplace in families, yet not all are adept at resolving them effectively. Parent-child mediation offers a constructive platform for parents and children to address differences collaboratively. Unlike therapy, mediation focuses on:

• Identifying issues from each participant's perspective

• Developing strategies for resolution

• Defining tasks and responsibilities

• Establishing timelines for progress evaluation

The outcome may involve a formal agreement outlining future behaviors and interactions, or in some cases, may lead to further therapy to address underlying dynamics and foster lasting change.