When a walk-in replaces the former inhabitant of the human body, is permission obtained first from the higher self of that departing soul? Is permission also obtained from the higher selves of family members of the person being replaced?

You are asking this question because you know this is so, and wanting confirmation, and we are happy to give this. There is always a consultation. This is not a random process, and certainly not an intrusion designed to take over and force someone out, and then force oneself on an existing soul group in the middle of their incarnation. It is always done in conjunction with the higher selves of all who are influenced directly, so there will need to be a meeting of the minds. In most cases, when this is done there will be unanimity of opinion, in favor of the walk-in taking place, for it to happen. Those times when there are disagreements from differing perspectives, it simply will be disallowed and that's that. So every successful walk-in has met the standard of acceptance by those involved directly in giving permission. And this is in keeping with the general way the universe is constructed, to honor the sovereignty of the being, especially in the case of the divine human. Keep in mind that the higher self, being a divine aspect, will look to the highest good always in making determinations of this kind, and can be relied on to do what was truly highest and best, not only for the person who donates a body, but the incoming soul and the aggregate of souls involved with the person leaving, who the walk-in will interact with. So in actuality, there are multiple individuals, not only who will be influenced but who also have a major stake in all that happens, to see that the arrangement provides a benefit and an upward trajectory, to move things in a positive direction. And all will benefit accordingly. And in many cases, it is quite a relief indeed, to have the troubled individual depart as things will usually improve with the fresh perspective of a walk-in, to begin to realign and readjust things, and allow for healing to take place that may have been blocked for a considerable period of time, because the departing individual was not up to the task. This is not universally accepted, but the majority of the requests are honored and do work out because people agree to the arrangement and then will attempt to be as flexible as they can, to make things work.