The Co-parenting pathway
A guided process for separating parents who want a kinder, more amicable outcome for their family. Built on 20+ years of experience in child-inclusive mediation and family repair.
we help parents craft positive new futures for their families.
Most separating parents don't want long, drawn-out conflict. They want to protect their children, reach a fair agreement and move forward with their lives.
Working alongside your lawyers, the Co-Parenting Pathway helps families resolve their separation outside of court, saving time and money, while reducing the emotional impact on all involved.
who is the co-parenting pathway for?
The Co-Parenting Pathway is for you if:
You are separating and want to protect your children from conflict
You are already in legal proceedings but want a better outcome for your family
You and your co-parent are struggling to communicate
Your situation is high conflict or complex
One of you is reluctant to engage - we can start with individuals
How it works
Every family is different. The Co-Parenting Pathway gives you a clear framework while remaining flexible enough to work around your circumstances. Here is what a typical pathway looks like:
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Your mediator takes the time to understand your perspective, the history of the relationship and what you want for your children and your future. There is no judgement here, only space to be honest. These sessions lay the foundation for everything that follows.
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This is the part many parents are nervous about, and it is also the part that changes everything.
Children are perceptive. They know far more about what is happening in the family than most parents realise, even when conflict is kept behind closed doors. Including them is not about exposing them to adult decisions. It is about giving them a safe, age-appropriate space to express how they feel.
Our trained child consultants use an evidence-based approach to ensure every child is heard with care and sensitivity. We work with children from age 5.
If you have questions about including your children, our FAQs, podcast and blog go into more detail.
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Both parents come together for a feedback session informed by the child interviews. With your children's consent, your mediator shares their insights to help both parents understand the family through their children's eyes.
This session is often a turning point. It has a way of cutting through conflict and refocusing both parents on what actually matters.
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The final session is where everything comes together. You and your co-parent agree a practical framework for raising your children, covering communication, decisions, boundaries and routines.
At the end of this session you receive your Co-Parenting Alliance document, a written agreement you can both refer to. Should you wish to formalise it as a legally binding document, we can facilitate that as an additional step.
Senior mediator
Bill Hewlett
Typical pathway cost
£4,290 + VAT
For a family with 2 children
Per session
| Individual (90 min) | £525 per parent + VAT |
| Joint (2 hrs) | £700 per parent + VAT |
| Child consultation | £220 per child + VAT |
Sessions are billed as you go and can be added or removed to suit your family's needs.
Mediator
Bella Hewlett
Typical pathway cost
£3,410 + VAT
For a family with 2 children
Per session
| Individual (90 min) | £405 per parent + VAT |
| Joint (2 hrs) | £540 per parent + VAT |
| Child consultation | £220 per child + VAT |
Sessions are billed as you go and can be added or removed to suit your family's needs.
Ready to take the first step?
Book a free consultation to find out if the Co-Parenting Pathway is right for your family.
Why the Co-Parenting Pathway?
There are many ways to navigate separation. Not all of them put your children first, or set you up for a sustainable co-parenting relationship.
Families who work with us find that they are more equipped to deal with the necessary changes that often accompany separation, saving time, money and stress by avoiding court. We guide you to make fair, practical decisions around finances and child arrangements, both feeling happy about the outcome.
You will be equipped with tools to allow you to co-parent in a way that keeps the children at the heart of all your decision making, knowing that you've done your best to ensure that your children will thrive.
Here is how the Co-Parenting Pathway compares to other divorce approaches.
| _ | Co-Parenting Pathway_ | Court proceedings_ | Self-guided platformse.g. Amicable, Divorce-Online | Traditional mediation_ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From £2,860 + VAT | £5,000–£30,000+ per party | Low upfront | £1,500–£3,000 |
| Typical timeline | 10–12 weeks | 12–18 months | Variable | Variable |
| Child's voice included | Yes | No | No | Rarely |
| Reduces impact on children | Yes | Often increases it | Unlikely | Sometimes |
| Works in high conflict cases | Yes | Yes | No | Sometimes |
| Works alongside your lawyer | Yes | Yes | No | Sometimes |
| Focus on co-parenting relationship | Yes | No | No | No |
| Legally binding outcome | OptionalAvailable as an additional step | Yes | No | Sometimes |
Not sure which route is right for you? Book a free consultation and we can talk it through.
Take the first step
A free consultation is the easiest way to find out if the Co-Parenting Pathway is right for your family. There is no commitment and no pressure, just an honest conversation about what you need.