Jones Myers Partner Further Boosts Mediation Expertise

Jones Myers partner, Nicki Mitchell, has further enhanced her extensive expertise in mediation by becoming a qualified child-inclusive mediator.

Nicki is among a handful of mediators in Yorkshire to achieve the CIM accreditation which enables her to meet with children whose parents have separated, and hear what they want for the future.

A qualified family law mediator since 2015 and the first qualified collaborative family lawyer in York, Nicki champions processes such as mediation and collaboration which avoid a lengthy court process and seek to put children’s best interests first.

Nicki, who heads Jones Myers York office, said: “Relationship breakdowns can be devastating for children who are understandably anxious about what lies ahead for them. “Their concerns include where they will live and go to school and if they will continue to see both of their parents as well as their grandparents, friends and family pets.

“At such a challenging time, child-inclusive mediation can enable parents to put children’s well being at the heart of their break up by working together and communicating about their needs to help pave a way forward.”

David Massey, admin manager for the Family Mediators Association which awarded Nicki the accreditation, said: “Enormous congratulations to Nicki on furthering her mediation skills in this vital area.

“In our experience all parents find child-inclusive mediation very valuable at a time when they face difficult emotional, practical, legal and financial decisions. It helps them to focus on the important issues and work towards an agreed final settlement, central to which is continuing to meet their children’s needs even though their relationship has ended.”