After providing Amanda with legal advice, including various options in which she could resolve matters with Louise outside the court process, she was referred to one of our recommended mediators. Louise also agreed to attend mediation.
After a few mediation sessions, an agreed Parenting Plan was developed for Lexie, which Amanda and Louise are happy with and agree meets Lexie’s best interests. They have also agreed to head back into mediation in 6 months’ time to see if any of the arrangements need to be ‘tweaked’ to ensure Lexie is happy and thriving.
Legal costs were limited in this instance as an agreement was reached in mediation instead.
Amanda and Louise have a 5 year old daughter Lexie. Although Amanda is the birth mother, she and Louise have been a long relationship and planned their pregnancy together with the help of a donor. Lexie is proud to have “two Mums” and although she calls Amanda “Mum”, she calls Louise “Mom” given her American background and accent. Both women have flexible working arrangements so have been able to share Lexie’s care throughout their relationship including relying on childcare and help from family members when required. Lexie has just started Prep.
Separation has been difficult and there isn’t much trust between the couple, although both want the best for Lexie’s future.
Amanda is worried that she and Louise will end up in Court and neither can afford this process.
