Capitol Family Mediation Kensington and Chelsea
- CHILD ARRANGEMENTS
- LEGAL AID FUNDING
- DIVORCE MEDIATION
- URGENT MIAM
Parenting Plans With Capitol Family Mediation Kensington and Chelsea - Experts in Civil and Family Mediation
Creating A Parenting Plan
A Parenting Plan (often referred to by Cafcass as Our Child’s Plan) is a written agreement between separated parents that details how they will co-parent their children. Family Mediation is the most common and effective non-court method for creating this plan.
The Family Mediation Process
Family Mediation in the Kensington and Chelsea area is conducted by independent, accredited mediators who are registered with the Family Mediation Council (FMC). The process is flexible, voluntary, and focuses on the best interests of the child.
Understanding Family Mediation in Kensington and Chelsea
The MIAM (Assessment)
The process begins with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This can be done individually or jointly.
Mediator’s Role: The mediator explains how the process works, assesses whether mediation is suitable for your situation (especially where there are concerns about domestic abuse or safeguarding), and determines if either party is eligible for Legal Aid or the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme (£500 contribution towards costs).
Court Requirement: Attending a MIAM (or qualifying for an exemption) is usually a legal requirement before applying to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order.
Joint Mediation Sessions (Drafting the Plan)
If mediation is suitable, the mediator will chair joint sessions (which can be face-to-face, online, or via Shuttle Mediation, where you are in separate rooms/calls).
Neutral Facilitator: The mediator does not take sides or give legal advice, but helps both parents communicate constructively, focusing on the child’s needs rather than past conflicts.
Agenda Setting: The sessions follow a structured agenda to cover all aspects of the child’s life, leading to the draft Parenting Plan.
Key Topics In A Parenting Plan
Mediation helps you move beyond basic contact schedules to create a comprehensive plan addressing future co-parenting challenges. Typical areas covered include:
Category | Example Decisions to Agree On |
|---|---|
Living Arrangements | The regular weekly or fortnightly schedule, handovers (time and location), and who collects/drops off. |
Holidays | Division of school holidays (e.g., alternating Easters/Christmases), international travel, and required notice periods. |
Education | Which school they attend, attendance at parent-teacher evenings, communication with teachers, and responsibility for homework. |
Health | Decisions about non-urgent medical treatment, vaccinations, sharing information about appointments, and who holds the child’s medical records. |
Communication | How parents will communicate with each other (e.g., email, app, phone calls), when to communicate, and the expected tone. |
Future Changes | How the plan will be reviewed as the child grows (e.g., every 12 months) and what to do if a disagreement arises (e.g., return to mediation). |
Documentation
Upon reaching an agreement, the mediator will prepare two documents:
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): A detailed summary of all the agreements reached.
Open Financial Statement (OFS) (if applicable): A summary of financial information and proposals.
These documents are not legally binding on their own, but they form the basis of a Consent Order if you choose to instruct solicitors to formalise the agreement through the court. Agreements reached voluntarily through mediation are often more lasting than court-imposed orders.
Family Court Serving the Kensington and Chelsea Area
The London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is served by the Central London Court that handles all family matters:
Address; First Avenue House, 42-49 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6NP
Telephone; (Family Enquiries) 020 7421 8500 (General Enquiries) 0300 303 0655
Court Email: family.cjf@justice.gov.uk
Service Areas; .Kensington, Chelsea, and surrounding Central London boroughs.
Note: Always contact the court directly or check the official GOV.UK website for the most up-to-date address, contact details, and opening hours before sending documents or travelling to the court.
WHY CAPITOL MEDIATION KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
- Expert Mediators: Capitol Family Mediation boasts a team of highly trained and experienced mediators who facilitate productive discussions and guide parties toward mutually beneficial solutions.
- Tailored Solutions: Each family conflict is unique. Capitol Family Mediation recognises this and tailors their approach to meet the specific needs of each case, ensuring personalised solutions.
- Efficiency: Mediation typically results in quicker resolutions compared to lengthy court battles, allowing families to move forward with their lives.
- Reduced Stress: Mediation is less adversarial than litigation, reducing the emotional stress on all parties involved, especially children.
- Cost-Effective: Mediation is generally more cost-effective than going to court, making it an affordable option for families in conflict.
Capitol Family Mediation. Family and Civil Mediation for Families and Businesses
Meetings Are Strictly by Appointment Only. Our Location is not staffed
Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can be arranged online . Speak to Capitol Mediation
Our Kensington and Chelsea Hub
12 Phillimore Walk, London W8 7RX
Call our team to book your mediation on 0208 719 0001
Capitol Family Mediation Kensington And Chelsea
Capitol Mediation Kensington and Chelsea provides professional mediation services across the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the surrounding areas, including Kensington, Chelsea, Earl’s Court, South Kensington, Notting Hill, Holland Park, Ladbroke Grove, North Kensington, and Knightsbridge. We work with individuals, families, and organisations to resolve disputes efficiently and constructively, offering a local and accessible service tailored to the needs of the Kensington and Chelsea community.
If you are considering mediation around family law, find out more about the court application process here.
We offer support with child arrangements and financial matters following divorce or separation. Mediation provides a neutral and supportive space to reach practical solutions without unnecessary conflict. Let Capitol Mediation Kensington and Chelsea help you find a constructive way forward for your family’s future.
Call our team on 0208 719 0001 to find out more.