Hannah Hopkinson

Parenting mediation provides a calm, structured process to help separated parents communicate more effectively, reduce conflict, and make practical decisions that prioritise their children’s wellbeing.

 

Following separation, parents are often required to make important decisions about parenting arrangements, communication, schooling, healthcare, holidays, and the day-to-day needs of their children. Mediation provides a supportive environment to discuss these matters respectfully and work towards practical agreements.

 

The process begins with a private intake consultation for each parent. This provides an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, concerns, and goals confidentially, while also allowing an assessment of whether mediation is appropriate and safe to proceed.

 

Where suitable, parents then participate in joint mediation sessions focused on exploring options, improving communication, and developing workable arrangements that support children’s stability and wellbeing.

 

Parenting Matters Commonly Discussed

• Parenting schedules and time arrangements

• Schooling and educational decisions

• Holiday and special occasion arrangements

• Communication between households

• Medical and health decisions

• Children’s developmental and emotional needs

• Introduction of new partners

• Relocation considerations

• Day-to-day parenting responsibilities

 

A Child-Focused Approach

My role is to remain impartial while providing a clear and respectful structure that supports productive conversations and informed decision-making.

 

The focus is not on revisiting relationship issues, but on helping parents create practical arrangements that support their children’s needs now and into the future.

 

Where agreement is reached, outcomes may be documented in a Parenting Plan or Heads of Agreement.

 

My approach is grounded in child-focused practice—helping parents strengthen communication and create workable arrangements where children can feel secure, connected, and supported across both homes.

 

Child-Inclusive Consultation

In some matters, a Child-Inclusive Consultation may also be considered where appropriate and with the agreement of both parents.

 

This process provides children with a developmentally appropriate opportunity to have their experiences and perspectives thoughtfully considered. Insights are then carefully brought back into the mediation process to assist parents in understanding and responding to their child’s needs while maintaining parental decision-making responsibility.

 

Available in person at The Resolution Suites, online, by telephone, or in a hybrid format.