A new service number for family mediation in Vantaa and Kerava – appointments are readily available

Family mediation helps parents reach agreement on their child’s matters after a divorce

Divorce is a crisis not only for the parents but also for the child. Parents can ease the child's adjustment to the new situation through their own actions. From the child’s perspective, it is important that both parents remain in the child's life and reach agreement on matters related to the child.

Family mediation offers help and support in negotiations between the parents if previous attempts have turned into arguments, reached dead ends, or if the parents are not on speaking terms.

The mediation process focuses on the child’s needs and daily life following the divorce, as well as shared parenting. The mediators are impartial and do not offer ready-made solutions. Instead, they help parents find suitable solutions for the child.

Mediation aims to find solutions and establish concrete agreements

The goal is to establish concrete agreements and find solutions for agreeing on the child’s matters after a divorce. Matters discussed in mediation may include custody issues, living arrangements, right of access and child support. The agreed-upon matters can be validated afterwards by visiting the child welfare officer. You can also discuss other issues concerning the new arrangements and practicalities in the child’s life, including communication between the parents.

A free-of-charge and voluntary service

Family mediation is a voluntary and free-of-charge service for families. It is a short-term process that begins with individual meetings with the parents. Following the individual meetings, there are three to four sessions involving both parents and mediators. The meetings can be organised as Teams video calls or face-to-face at the Koivukylä or Pakkala service points.

If you are considering continuing as a couple and need support and help during a relationship crisis, please contact:

Counselling service for families with children, 09 4191 5200

• Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
• You can also schedule an appointment with the relationship and divorce information services anonymously and come to the appointment alone. Appointments are readily available in both Vantaa and Kerava.

If you have decided to proceed with a divorce and wish to arrange for family mediation, please contact:

Family law services, 09 4191 5400

• Family mediation (callback service): Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Child welfare officers: Monday to Thursday from 12 noon to 1 p.m.