Role of the Family Specialist
A Family Specialist is a trained professional who focuses on the needs of children, particularly during the emotionally challenging time of a parental separation or divorce. Their role is to support families in creating parenting arrangements that prioritize the well-being of the children.
Supporting Your Family Through Change
Family Specialists help you and your co-parent develop a parenting plan that outlines how your children will spend time with each of you, both day-to-day and during holidays. But their role goes far beyond just scheduling.
They bring the voice of the children into the conversation. Often, they meet with the children directly to understand their unique needs, feelings, and wishes. This insight helps inform the parenting plan and ensures that the arrangements are child-centred.
Expert Guidance Rooted in Research
Family Specialists also educate parents on current research about child development, especially in the context of separation and divorce. This helps parents make informed decisions that align with the developmental and emotional needs of their children.
A Cost-Effective Alternative
Working with a Family Specialist is often significantly less expensive than having each parent negotiate parenting matters through separate lawyers. In most cases, the cost is shared between both parents, making it a financially efficient approach to resolving parenting issues.
Neutral, Professional Mediation
In their role as neutral mediators, Family Specialists help parents uncover their core concerns around parenting. Together, you’ll develop a detailed parenting plan that reflects those priorities and includes guidelines for managing future situations, such as how and when to introduce new partners to your children.
They ensure that every aspect of the plan supports the best interests of the children, with a focus on reducing conflict and building a cooperative parenting relationship.
From Planning to Legal Agreement
Once the parenting plan is complete, it is shared with your lawyers for review. If both parties agree, the plan is incorporated into your separation agreement, becoming a legally binding document.
Ongoing Support
Parenting plans may need to evolve as children grow and circumstances change. If issues arise in the future, you can return to your Family Specialist for support, advice, and help revising the agreement.