Making your children heard during divorce and separation

In this episode, Kate is joined by Paul Richardson, an amicable Divorce Specialist, and Carlie Norris, an Accredited Family Mediator, to discuss how the voice of the child can be heard during the divorce and separation process.

Released: 8 January 2025
Updated: 26 October 2026
42 MIN
#126
Coparenting

In this episode, Kate is joined by Paul Richardson, an amicable Divorce Specialist, and Carlie Norris**, **an Accredited Family Mediator, to discuss how the voice of the child can be heard during the divorce and separation process.

About the episode:

Kate and her guests begin by discussing how child arrangements were made historically, and what are the current options available to separating parents. Paul then goes on to explain how amicable’s services help with child arrangements, and Carlie talks about the process and benefits of child-inclusive mediation. They also talk about how transparent conversations can reduce the overall level of conflict and strengthen relationships between both co-parents and children. Paul and Carlie finish off by giving tips on how to navigate the emotional side of the process for you and your children.

About our guests:

Paul is a Divorce Specialist with amicable and has been in family law for 20 years, qualifying as a family solicitor in 2010. He is also an Accredited Family Mediator with vast experience of working with couples to arrive at mutually agreed to prioritise any children of the family. Paul stepped away from his role as solicitor to join amicable in 2024 to help those going through separation work together to resolve issues regarding divorce, finances and children. He understands the emotions couples are going through and is able to adopt a sensitive, yet professional approach, to help guide them through the process.

Carlie Norris is an Accredited Family Mediator and is Child-Inclusive Mediation trained. As the founder of Circle Mediation, Carlie has a particular passion in considering the child’s voice in family separation and in November 2023 co-authored the Family Solutions Group Report ‘A Child’s Right to Matter’. With more than a decade of dedicated experience in Restorative Justice, Restorative Practice, Family Group Conferencing, and Safeguarding within Children’s Services, Carlie’s enthusiasm for these fields shines through in her work. She is deeply committed to facilitating processes that empower participants to create meaningful, lasting solutions. Beyond her mediation practice, Carlie’s passion extends to education, as she continues to deliver training in restorative interventions and conflict resolution to organisations across both the public and private sectors.

More resources:

Get in touch with Carlie Norris through Circle Mediation or through Family Mediators Association.

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today.

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