The family team at Berry Smith is supporting Family Mediation Week 2025, which takes place between Monday, 27th and Friday, 31st January, with the aim of raising awareness of the benefits of mediation within the family justice system.

On Day 3 of Family Mediation Week 2025, we take a look at how children’s voices can be heard and taken into account.

When families go through significant transitions, it is essential that children’s voices are not lost in the process. When discussing issues that involve or affect children, their welfare and best interests must remain at the forefront.

At Berry Smith Solicitors, we prioritise the needs of children in mediation. Our mediators, Katie McColgan and Benjamin Delve, ensure a child-focused approach, keeping their well-being at the heart of discussions. This is achieved through various strategies in mediation.

In most cases, family mediators create space for parents to consider how their decisions will impact the children and how their individual needs should shape the discussions. In some instances, mediators involve children directly, giving them a safe platform to express their feelings and preferences. This process is handled with care and sensitivity, ensuring children feel heard without being burdened by adult responsibilities.

Katie McColgan is trained as a ‘child-inclusive mediator’ and, where appropriate, can speak directly with children (with their consent) to better understand their needs.

Our team is dedicated to helping families in Wales navigate these challenging conversations, ensuring that the voices of children are not only heard but respected.

If you would like to discuss whether mediation or any other alternative dispute resolution should be considered in your specific case, or you need advice on any other family law matter, please do not hesitate to contact the family team by email at family@berrysmith.com or by telephone on either 02920 345511 or 01656 645525.