Child Voices
Evaluative Views of the Child Reports, Child Interviews, and Parenting Time Implementation Planning Across British Columbia
When parenting disputes become entrenched, the most important question is no longer what happened in the past. It is what happens next. Many families remain stuck for years—cycling through court applications, escalating conflict, and losing precious time with their children—without ever receiving clear guidance about how meaningful progress can occur. Children have a right to be heard when decisions significantly affecting their lives are being made. At the same time, families often require practical guidance to move beyond conflict and implement workable solutions. Based in Kelowna and serving families throughout British Columbia by video conference, Cori L. McGuire provides structured child interviews, evaluative views of the child reports, and implementation-focused recommendations designed to help parents, lawyers, mediators, arbitrators, Parenting Coordinators, and courts better understand children's perspectives and move difficult cases forward. A child's voice is important. A child's burden is not.
Children Have a Right to Be Heard
Children capable of forming their own views have the right to express those views in matters affecting them. This principle is recognized internationally through Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. British Columbia law reflects the same principle. Section 37(2)(b) of the Family Law Act requires decision-makers considering parenting arrangements to consider: "the child's views, unless it would be inappropriate to consider them." A child's voice is important. A child's burden is not. Children should never be asked to choose between their parents or carry responsibility for adult decisions. The goal is to hear and understand the child's experience in a manner that is respectful, developmentally appropriate, and focused on the child's wellbeing.
Three Approaches to Hearing Children's Voices
Every family is different. Some situations require only a neutral report of a child's views. Others require a more comprehensive evaluative process or practical recommendations to help parents move forward. The following services provide different levels of information and guidance depending on the needs of the family and the issues to be addressed.
Non-evaluative Hear the Child Report
$1500
For the first child and $500/child thereafter
Child's views reported in their own words
Child-friendly explanation of the process
Discussion of confidentiality and its limits
Two-interview process
Neutral child interviewer
Child review and approval of information
Verbatim quotations where appropriate
No assessment of the child or parents
No recommendations or opinions
Typically completed within one week
No age limit but children younger than 7 usually have views that are difficult to communicate in this process
Evaluative Views of the Child Report
$3000 per child
$1,000 per additional child
Everything included in a Hear the Child interview
Parent information forms
Review of limited and relevant background materials
Child-focused analysis
Developmental considerations
Family systems perspective
Trauma-informed approach
Neuroscience-informed perspective
Identification of practical concerns affecting the child
Evaluative observations
Recommendations where appropriate In the written report
Travel or court appearances are in addition
MY INTERVIEW METHODOLOGY
How Hearing the Voice of the Child Works
Every child interview begins with careful preparation.
Parents are invited to provide structured background information regarding the child, the family circumstances, and the issues to be discussed. This information assists the interviewer in understanding the child's circumstances and helps create a comfortable and developmentally appropriate environment for the interview.
Children are provided with a clear explanation of the interview process, including the limits of confidentiality, the purpose of the interview, and how the information may be used. Children are informed that they are not the client, that the interviewer is not their lawyer, and that they are not responsible for making decisions between their parents.
The interview process generally includes two separate meetings with the child. During the first interview, the child's views, concerns, wishes, and experiences are explored. During the second interview, the child's statements are reviewed to ensure accuracy and to provide an opportunity for the child to revise, clarify, add to, or remove information before the report is finalized.
The goal is not to tell the child what to say. The goal is to accurately capture the child's voice.
Nearly Three Decades of Listening to Children
I have been interviewing children and hearing children's perspectives in family law matters since 1997.
More than twenty-three years ago, I participated in the development of an early pilot project dedicated to creating a structured process for hearing children's voices in family law disputes. That early work contributed to the development of what is now the BC Hear the Child Society, which maintains a roster of trained child interviewers throughout British Columbia.
My work has continued to evolve through nearly three decades as a family lawyer, Parenting Coordinator, mediator, arbitrator, and dispute resolution professional.
Throughout that time, one principle has remained constant: Children should be heard, but they should never be placed in the middle.
Why Work With Me?
✓ Family law mediator and arbitrator ✓ Family Justice Institute training in parenting assessments ✓ Parenting Coordinator for 18 years ✓ Member of the BC Hear the Child Society ✓ High-conflict family expertise ✓ Child-focused methodology ✓ Trauma-informed approach ✓ Neuroscience-informed perspective ✓ Extensive report-writing experience ✓ Practical implementation expertise ✓ Services available throughout British Columbia ✓ Virtual interviews available where appropriate Whether you require a Hear the Child Report, an evaluative Child Voices report, or practical implementation recommendations, I would be pleased to discuss the process and determine which service best fits your family's needs.
Child-Centered Approach
Safe Communication Channels
Guiding Families to Harmony
Family Mediation Sessions
Conflict Resolution Workshops
Custody Agreement Consultations
Professional Support for Co-Parenting
At Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation, we offer expert Parenting Coordination Services designed to facilitate harmonious co-parenting solutions tailored to your family's unique needs. Situated conveniently in Kelowna, BC, our compassionate approach combines legal expertise with mediation skills to ensure effective communication and conflict resolution. Our dedicated team is committed to fostering a positive environment for your children's well-being, providing you with the clarity and support necessary to navigate the complexities of co-parenting with confidence.
What is parenting coordination?
How can parenting coordination help us?
Who is eligible for parenting coordination services?
Navigate Parenting Challenges Smoothly
With expert guidance from Cori L. McGuire, resolve family disputes efficiently and amicably. Trust in our proven expertise to support your family’s unique needs in Kelowna.