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.

Request a Suitability Assessment

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 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.

Parent and child reviewing developmental assessment materials together at home study table with warm natural lighting

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.

Young child writing letters on paper with educator's hand providing gentle guidance and support

Non-evaluative Hear the Child Report

A structured, non-evaluative process designed to ensure that a child's views can be heard and considered by parents, professionals, and decision-makers.

$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

Volunteer counselor and teenager sitting together outdoors, engaged in meaningful conversation at a picnic table during summer camp

Evaluative Views of the Child Report

The Child's Voice in context requires a more comprehensive process that combines child interviews, background information, and professional analysis to assist families and decision-makers in understanding a child's experience, concerns, and needs.

$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

Parent seated at eye level with child on cushioned rug surrounded by sensory tools in naturally-lit home, demonstrating calm emotional engagement

Child-Centered Approach

Prioritizes the child's perspective in parenting coordination, ensuring their needs and voices are heard.

Parent and child reviewing language progress report at home table with multilingual family liaison explaining development

Safe Communication Channels

Facilitates a secure environment for children to express their thoughts and feelings.

Guiding Families to Harmony

Family counselor facilitating dialogue between parent and teenager at home table with warm natural lighting

Family Mediation Sessions

Facilitated mediation sessions aimed at resolving disputes between parents efficiently and peacefully. Focused on creating a cooperative environment for making impactful decisions concerning child custody and visitation arrangements.

Overhead view of diverse couple and therapist collaborating on action plan at table, showing hands, workbook, and engaged discussion

Conflict Resolution Workshops

Designed and conducted workshops that equipped parents with practical conflict resolution skills. The sessions helped parents understand the dynamics of family conflicts and provided tools to manage disagreements effectively.

Attorney reviewing custody and parenting plan documents with client at wooden desk during legal consultation

Custody Agreement Consultations

Provided personalized consultations to assist parents in drafting custody agreements. Emphasized collaborative approaches to ensure agreements reflected the best interests of the child and were agreeable to both parties.

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.

Streamline Family Solutions Today

Slide 1 of 3

Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation eased our co-parenting journey incredibly. Their professionalism and empathy helped us communicate better and prioritize our children’s needs.

- Jessica Thompson

Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation transformed our co-parenting dynamics. Their guidance and understanding made a challenging situation manageable. We now work together with ease and focus on what truly matters—our children.

- David Perez

Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation's expertise was invaluable. Their caring approach helped us navigate complex parenting issues and find common ground. Our communication has improved, and our children's well-being is now at the forefront. Highly recommend their services.

- Emily Carter

Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation eased our co-parenting journey incredibly. Their professionalism and empathy helped us communicate better and prioritize our children’s needs.

- Jessica Thompson

Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation transformed our co-parenting dynamics. Their guidance and understanding made a challenging situation manageable. We now work together with ease and focus on what truly matters—our children.

- David Perez

Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation's expertise was invaluable. Their caring approach helped us navigate complex parenting issues and find common ground. Our communication has improved, and our children's well-being is now at the forefront. Highly recommend their services.

- Emily Carter

Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation eased our co-parenting journey incredibly. Their professionalism and empathy helped us communicate better and prioritize our children’s needs.

- Jessica Thompson

Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation transformed our co-parenting dynamics. Their guidance and understanding made a challenging situation manageable. We now work together with ease and focus on what truly matters—our children.

- David Perez

Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation's expertise was invaluable. Their caring approach helped us navigate complex parenting issues and find common ground. Our communication has improved, and our children's well-being is now at the forefront. Highly recommend their services.

- Emily Carter

What is parenting coordination?

Parenting coordination is a child-focused process where a neutral professional helps parents implement agreements and court orders.

How can parenting coordination help us?

Parenting coordination assists in reducing conflict by facilitating communication and resolving disputes regarding parenting arrangements.

Who is eligible for parenting coordination services?

Parenting coordination services are suitable for high-conflict parents seeking assistance in implementing parenting plans and improving co-parenting dynamics.

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.