Cross Border Mediation

Offer

Cross Border Mediation

Cross Border Mediation is a unique method of conflict resolution, which is (still) used in the Netherlands by only a limited number of experienced mediators. This concerns resolving a conflict between parents in the event of an (imminent) international child abduction or change of the primary residence of the children after divorce, termination of the relationship or return of an expat to the country of origin.

International child abduction is an increasingly important social problem given globalization. Child abduction is the wrongful removal or retention of a child in violation of the rights of custody granted in the country in which the child was habitually resident immediately prior to the abduction.

Cross Border Mediation can prevent a long and costly legal battle between parents. The parents have the opportunity to make arrangements about the residence of their child(ren) in the Netherlands or in the Netherlands by means of the pressure cooker method (usually 9 hours) in a safe and impartial environment under the guidance of two experienced mediators, including myself. Abroad.
Cross Border Mediation focuses on the question of where the child will live: will the abducting parent and child return voluntarily or can the child and parent remain in consultation with the requesting partner.

Cross Border Mediation also aims to reach agreement on contact arrangements. The starting point here is to jointly find solutions that do justice to the child and are acceptable to both parents. The interests of the child and a lasting positive relationship with both parents and other family members are central.
This concerns arrangements that meet the needs of the parents, the children, the mutual family and take into account the division of care and upbringing tasks, the contact moments, the holiday arrangement, the information and consultation obligation and in incidental cases the safe return. .

An independent and impartial expert listens to the child's feelings and thoughts about decisions to be made or made by the parents. This child discussion is recorded in a report and provided to the parents and the two Cross Border Mediators. The (partial) agreements between the parents are recorded in an agreement that can be recorded in an order by the court at the request of the parents.

Naturally, SYNTAGMA also offers information about possible consequences and steps to be taken in advance of proposed decisions regarding a possible departure abroad.

For more information, see also Center for International Child Abduction.

Cross Border Mediation

Testimonials

I with Brigitte, many years ago, as part of our very first cross-border family mediation training.

Over the years, I have been able to refer very sensitive cases to her, which have always been handled with great professionalism and listening.

In the context of the international training I directly organize, I always have Brigitte present as one of my favorite trainers. The feedback I get, from colleagues of different nationalities and cultures, is always enthusiastic. She manages to be enthusing and above all she is never 'rigid' in her approach. She modifies content and schemes as required, which is not at all common.

MARZIA GHIGLIAZZA – Senior Partner avvocata mediatric cross-border

Birgitte is a very experienced professional and trainer in international mediation who fascinates participants with new approaches in her work. The last training, I visited was about mindfulness and mediation, especially international mediation. She found the way to show us the connection between two worlds we all know separately.

Ana Piernas López – Abogada & Rechtsanwältin Cross-Border Mediator

Cross Border Mediation

Professional associations

Birgitte is a member of the following professional associations and networks.

EU-NIM

IFMI