Parenting Mediation
Ladybird Mediation provides family, community and separation mediation services in the wider Dublin area, with online mediation also available across Ireland and beyond. Separation is one of life's most challenging experiences. Alongside the emotional impact of relationship breakdown, couples are often faced with important decisions about parenting arrangements, finances, property and planning for the future. Mediation provides a respectful, structured and confidential setting where these conversations can take place, helping people work towards clear, practical agreements together.
Accredited Mediator for Separating Couples
The main focus of this service is helping separating couples navigate difficult conversations during separation or divorce. As an accredited mediator, my role is not to decide who is right or wrong or to take sides, but to support people to:
- Communicate more clearly and respectfully
- Explore different options around children, money and practical arrangements
- Make informed decisions for themselves
Where children are involved, mediation can also help parents keep their children’s needs, safety and wellbeing at the centre of discussions, encouraging cooperative co-parenting and long-term stability.
Why Many Couples Choose Mediation
Many separating couples choose mediation because it allows them to remain in control of the decisions that affect their future, rather than having them imposed by family courts. When agreement can be reached through mediation, it often:
- Reduces emotional strain and conflict
- Saves time compared with lengthy legal proceedings
- Lowers costs associated with going to court
- Improves communication for future interactions, especially where children are involved
Even where every issue cannot be fully resolved, mediation can help narrow the areas of disagreement, clarify priorities and improve understanding between everyone involved.
Family Mediation and Community Mediation
In addition to working with separating couples, I also provide family mediation and community mediation. This can include supporting wider family members through conflict, or helping neighbours and communities resolve disputes in a constructive manner. The aim in mediation is to create a calm, impartial environment where people feel safe, heard, understand one another's perspectives and work towards practical, lasting solutions that everyone can live with.
Free Initial Mediation Consultation
For anyone considering mediation and wanting to explore whether it is the right approach for their situation, a free 15-minute consultation is available. This initial conversation offers an opportunity to learn more about the mediation process and how it may help with separation, divorce, family or community disputes. Feel free to book below.
FAQ
1. When could we start and how long might mediation take?
As many who seek mediation are experiencing conflict, I aim to provide our first session as soon as possible and usually within ten days of your enquiry, depending on availability and whether both parties are willing to participate.
The number of mediation sessions varies and depends on the issues involved. Some people reach agreement in just a few sessions, while more complex situations—particularly those involving parenting arrangements or financial matters—may require additional meetings. Most mediations take about three to six one-hour sessions to agreement. At the outset, we'll discuss the issues you'd like to address and I'll give you a realistic idea of what to expect.
2. How much does mediation cost?
Although every situation is different, mediation is generally far less expensive than contested court proceedings and can often resolve issues more quickly. A full breakdown of fees is available on the Pricelist page. If you are experiencing exceptional financial hardship, please feel free to discuss your circumstances with me in confidence, as a reduced fee may be available. I believe mediation should be accessible to everyone.
3. Are mediation sessions online or in-person?
I offer mediation both online and in-person. Online mediation allows people to participate from the comfort of their own home or workplace, often making it easier to arrange sessions around work and family commitments. This also means that people do not need to be in the same room should either party prefer not to be.
We can also meet close to your home or at a local community center. A small surcharge applies to in-person sessions, which can be agreed in advance.
4. Are mediated agreements legally binding?
Any agreements reached in mediation belong to the parties. It is entirely up to you whether you wish your agreement to become legally binding.
Many choose to ask their respective solicitors to provide independent legal advice and, if they wish, to have the terms of their agreement incorporated into a legally binding Separation Agreement. Where appropriate, agreements reached in mediation relating to maintenance or parenting arrangements may also be reflected in court orders by agreement between the parties.
Others may decide that a written mediated agreement best meets their needs without making it legally binding.
5. Is mediation confidential?
Yes. Mediation is a private and confidential process. This allows people to speak openly and explore possible solutions in a safe environment. There are some limited exceptions, such as concerns about a person's safety which will be explained before mediation begins.
6. What if it doesn't work?
If the parties come to the process in good faith and with an interest in resolving the matter it is likely that Mediation will facilitate an agreement. Because an agreement reached through mediation has been developed voluntarily by the parties themselves, there can be a strong sense of ownership and commitment to making it work. Parties can return to mediation if issues present.
7. How is mediation different from going to court?
Unlike court proceedings, mediation provides a confidential, cost efficient, non-adversarial setting where you can work together to resolve issues constructively. Instead of making decisions on your behalf, the mediator supports and guides the discussion, helping you reach solutions that you both feel are fair and workable.