LAKES

MEDIATION Widnes

Helping couples across the North West resolve conflict around children and financial disputes themselves without the need of courts or solicitors…

Lakes Mediation Stockton-on-Tees

There will always be disputes between families but choosing mediation is a better solution for dispute resolution – avoid court contact us today!

lakes mediation

Lakes Mediation Widnes

Finances

In many family disputes, financial issues are a significant factor, whether it's a divorce or a property settlement. Financial mediation involves a neutral third-party facilitator who helps both parties to identify the issues they have and comes up with options and strategies for a mutually agreeable resolution.

This approach can save time, money, and stress, considering the potential cost of litigation.

The mediator will help the parties to compile a list of assets, debts, and income, providing a clear picture of the financial situation so that parties can effectively negotiate on these key areas.

Children

Disputes can also arise concerning custody and parenting plans for children.

Parents may not agree on the living arrangements for the child, visitation schedules, and child support payments. A mediator can offer a neutral perspective and assist the parents in establishing a plan that aims to meet the child's best interests.

During this type of mediation, family members will learn to communicate with each other effectively, and understand how crucial it is to put the child's needs first and foremost.

Grandparents

Grandparents often have a special relationship with their grandchildren and can become affected when they’re not able to see them.

Through grandparent mediation, grandparents can express their concerns and, in many cases, come to agreements on visitation and communication with their grandchildren.

Grandparent mediation gives grandparents a voice in court and helps to foster a healthy relationship with their grandchildren.

Pension

One of the most significant assets that are often part of divorce negotiations is the pension.
It's a complicated asset to value and divide, and if not managed correctly, it can result in unfairness or even financial ruin. That is where a family mediator comes in.
A family mediator can discuss the details of your pension and how it is valued, as well as explore options for division.
Through mediation sessions, you and your spouse can work together to reach a mutual agreement on how the pension will be divided.

HOME OWNERSHIP

Similarly, when it comes to property disputes, a family mediator can provide a safe and non-judgmental space to navigate this sensitive issue.
Homeownership is often the most valuable asset for families, which can make property disputes complicated and long-lasting.
A mediator can provide an unbiased perspective and guide the conversation towards a common ground or compromise.
The mediator can help evaluate the value of the property, choose a real estate appraiser and even assist in drafting necessary documentation.

Child Arrangements Order Widnes

Arrangements for School Holidays

When parents have different work schedules or live far apart, agreeing on arrangements for school holidays can be complex.

A Child Arrangements Order can be tailored to specific needs, ensuring that the child’s care and educational needs are taken care of realistically.

The court will consider factors such as the distance between the parents’ homes, the child’s age, and any previous agreements or orders between the parents.

The order can also include any necessary provisions, such as the exchange of documents, pick-up locations, and transportation arrangements for the child.

Arrangements for Christmas

Christmas can be an especially difficult time for separated families, as it is a time that is often associated with traditions and spending time together as a family.

It is important to approach the arrangements with a child-focused approach, keeping in mind the importance of spending time with both parents.

When making a decision about Christmas arrangements, the court will consider the wishes and feelings of the child, as well as the practicalities of the situation. &

It is generally recommended that the arrangements provide for a balance of time spent with each parent, as well as taking into account family traditions and the child’s best interests.

Arrangements for Birthdays

Birthdays are a significant day for any child, and it’s essential to make sure they get to spend them with loved ones.

You can include details about how to celebrate the child’s birthdays in your Child Arrangements Order.

You might agree that the child should spend the whole day with one parent or be with one parent for the first part of the day and the other parent for the latter part.

The court recognizes that each child is unique and will consider the child’s wishes, age, and what is reasonable for both parents.

Spousal Maintenance Widnes

Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, is a payment made by one spouse to the other after a divorce or separation. In family mediation, the parties can work together to create a spousal maintenance agreement that addresses the needs of both parties. Some advantages of spousal maintenance mediation include:

  1. The parties can create an agreement that works for both parties.
  2. They can save time and money by avoiding court hearings.
  3. Mediation allows for more flexibility in creating a payment plan.
  4. The parties retain control over the outcome.
  5. Mediation allows for a more amicable resolution, which can be beneficial for co-parenting arrangements.

Why Choose lakes Mediation Widnes Over Court?

children

Why Mediation Is Needed

Family conflicts can arise for many reasons, such as divorce, separation, financial problems, and property disputes. When the dispute escalates beyond a certain point, communication break down, making it difficult for family members to discuss sensitive issues without conflict.

Mediation helps to provide an impartial third party who can help resolve these conflicts.

With a mediator in place, open communication is more likely, allowing all the parties involved to voice their opinions, and work towards a mutually acceptable solution. Here are some benefits of family mediation:

mediation

Is It Legally Binding?

Family mediation itself is not legally binding. It is the agreement that is reached through mediation that can be legally binding.

A mediator will encourage the parties to reach an agreement that is acceptable to all. Once an agreement has been reached, it can be written up into a formal legal agreement to be approved by a court.

If a party breaches the formal agreement, then they can be taken to court. It is crucial to note that only written agreements can be legally binding.

mediation

What Is
Mediation?

Lakes Mediation is a reputable and efficient mediation service provider. Our mediator, Rachel Lake, is a trained and experienced mediator with a background in law.

Rachel understands the importance of the family dynamics and strives to resolve issues in a timely and appropriate manner. We offer customized and confidential mediation sessions, tailored to meet the specific needs of each party.

Additionally, Lakes Mediation offers a cost-effective alternative to court litigation, and we aim to achieve excellent results for all involved parties.

Benefits of Lakes Mediation Widnes

Divorce or separation is never easy, especially when children are involved. It can be emotionally taxing for everyone in the family, and the legal process can also be complicated and costly. That’s why many families are turning to family mediation as a way to resolve disputes and come to agreements in a peaceful and mutually beneficial way. If you’re considering family mediation, you’re taking an important step towards a more amicable and efficient process. In this guide by Lakes Mediation, we’ll explore the benefits of family mediation and how it can help your family during a difficult time.

Mediating can help in  several ways, including:

MIAMS Session

To what end does a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) serve?


The initial consultation with a trained family mediator to discuss whether or not mediation could help you resolve your dispute outside of court is called a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

Mediators Role

The mediator’s job is to help you and the other parent talk through your problems, consider possible solutions, evaluate how well they would work inpractise, and ultimately agree on the best course of action.

In shuttle mediation, the disputing parties are separated into separate rooms, and the mediator “shuttles” between them until they strike a compromise.

Confidential

The mediator is obligated to retain in strictest confidence any information shared with them during the mediation process.
Since is it can be or at any if it becomes that one or both aren’t a through it.

It is the mediator’s responsibility to ensure that the interests and perspectives of the children involved are taken into account.

Miams

MIAMs, or Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings, are an essential part of the mediation process. The purpose of the MIAMs is to provide the parties involved with an opportunity to speak with a mediator and learn more about the process. It is mandatory for anyone who is looking to file an application with the family court to attend a MIAM. The mediator will provide an overview of the mediation process, the advantages of mediation, and what is expected of the participants. The mediator will also assess whether or not mediation is suitable for the case.

SUCCESS STORIES
From Lakes Mediation Widnes Clients

child access mediation
After our divorce I was seeing less and less of the children. Things were becoming strained and as I work shifts it was stressful. With Lakes help we sorted out an access plan within 2 short sessions thank you!
J. Evans
Lincs
FPDS trusted
The option of shuttle and online mediation made things possible for us. After years of arguments I was amazed that we reached a financial decision within a 4 sessions. We are now both able to move forward.
B. Smith
Cumbria
parental plan1
When our relationship ended we were unable to come to an agreement on our business we built together. Lakes mediation held a safe and confidential space for us to come to a mutual agreement and avoid the stress and cost of court. Thank you!
V. Frazier
Newcastle
Handling Household Dispute