Practice Area

Empowering Children in Family Mediation – With Care and Compassion

Ensure your child’s voice is heard in parenting decisions through confidential, age-appropriate child-inclusive mediation.

Meet the Mediator

Martie Goodyear, Q. Med, AccFM
Martie is an accredited family mediator with extensive training in child-inclusive practices. With over a decade of experience, she offers a safe, age-appropriate, and neutral space for children to speak freely. Sessions can be held in person (Ottawa) or remotely (via Zoom), with strict privacy and care protocols.

Why Choose Child-Inclusive Mediation?

When families go through separation or conflict, children often carry unspoken worries, fears, or preferences. Child-inclusive mediation offers a safe, compassionate space for your child to share their feelings—helping parents make decisions that genuinely reflect their child’s emotional and developmental needs.

This process is not about placing pressure or decisions on children—it’s about listening and understanding their perspective to build better parenting outcomes.

Trust Markers

How Child-Inclusive Mediation Works

Parental Agreement
Both parents agree to include the child in the process (children must be 7+).
Confidential Child Session
Martie meets privately with the child in a warm, safe setting—online or in-person.
Feedback Session (with Parents)
The child’s views are respectfully shared, without pressure or judgment.
Informed Parenting Plan
Together, you create a parenting plan that reflects your child’s needs and voice.

Benefits for Children & Families

Gives Children a Safe Voice

Your child can express how they feel without fear or pressure.

Guides Healthier Co-Parenting

Understanding your child’s perspective can reduce conflict and improve collaboration.

Supports Long-Term Emotional Health

Children feel valued, heard, and secure—even during tough transitions.

Enhances Parenting Plans

Make decisions that genuinely serve your child’s best interests.

When to Consider Child-Inclusive Mediation

During separation or divorce
When developing or revising parenting plans
When children seem withdrawn or confused about family changes
When co-parenting conversations are stuck or conflict-prone

Serving Families and Professionals Across Ontario

We proudly offer all services in-person in Ottawa and remotely throughout the entire province of Ontario via secure Zoom sessions. No matter where you’re located, you can access compassionate, professional support from the comfort of your home.

Available Across Ontario, Including:
Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, London, Mississauga, Guelph, Barrie, Sudbury, Hamilton, Windsor, and beyond.

Client's Testimonials

Martie helped us truly hear what our daughter was going through—and it changed how we parent together. She gave our child a safe space and gave us clarity.

Child-inclusive mediation helped us build a parenting plan that felt right for all three of us. Highly recommend.

Will the child choose which parent they live with?

No. This process is not about asking children to make choices. It’s about understanding how they’re feeling and what they need.

Is the child’s conversation private?

Yes. Only relevant themes or feelings are shared back—with sensitivity and consent.

Can this be done over Zoom?

Yes. Child-inclusive sessions can be held virtually with care, depending on the child’s comfort.

Is it required by law?

No, but many families choose it voluntarily to create better parenting plans.

Get Free Quote

613-809-4525

Call for legal service