On separating if you have decided not to instruct solicitors to deal with finances and/or children matters as you prefer to resolve issues arising out of your separation in an alternative manner, we can offer our expert assistance and advice through Mediation.
If you choose to mediate you will be in control of the issues you want to discuss with the Mediator and the Mediator, who must remain impartial, will guide and assist you in considering optional ways of resolving those issues giving you legal information to help you both consider those options in a legal context.
Mediation can result in a settlement being reached in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Should you wish to discuss the option of Mediation please contact Victoria Poole our in-house specialist Resolution-trained Family Mediator who is a Resolution Accredited Specialist in Domestic Violence and Children’s Law (private) and an FMC Accredited Family Mediator (all issues).
Our highly experienced team can advise clients across all aspects of family mediation in Northwich, including:
- Arrangements for finances and/or children following divorce.
- Civil partnership dissolution or separation.
- Agreeing the time children spend with their grandparents or other family members.
- Negotiating the terms of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Get in touch with our family mediation solicitors in Northwich, Cheshire
To speak to a member of the family law team, please call 01606 48777 or complete our online enquiry form.
Our expertise in family mediation
Arrangements for finances and/or children following divorce
Our family mediators have years of experience making arrangements for finances and children following divorce.
We provide a neutral ground where both parties can negotiate and reach mutually agreeable solutions, avoiding the need for court intervention.
Once an agreement has been reached, our family mediation solicitors can assist in drafting a legally binding agreement covering financial matters such as asset division and child maintenance.
We can also assist with reviewing existing financial or child arrangements following a change in circumstances.
Our mediators can help you navigate the practicalities of divorce or separation, we always prioritise the best interests of any children and aim to maintain amicable relationships between former partners.
Civil partnership dissolution or separation
Our family mediators can provide essential support in civil partnership dissolution or separation cases by facilitating open discussions between former partners.
We offer a neutral platform for discussion, aiding in the negotiation of settlements regarding financial matters, property division, and arrangements for any children involved.
Our mediators will ensure that you understand your legal rights and responsibilities and can reach an agreement that is in the interests of both parties.
By promoting open communication and compromise, we help minimise conflict and the need for court intervention, saving costs and time.
We aim to achieve fair and mutually satisfactory resolutions for all parties involved in the dissolution or separation.
Agreeing the time children spend with their grandparents or other family members
Our family mediators can assist with agreements regarding the time children spend with their grandparents or other family members.
We provide a neutral and supportive environment where all parties can express their concerns and preferences.
We will offer guidance and mediation throughout the process, to assist with facilitating open communication and understanding between parents and extended family members.
We can then ensure that any agreements that are made are legally sound and enforceable.
We aim to maintain amicable family relationships and help you make arrangements that prioritise the well-being and best interests of your children.
Negotiating the terms of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Our family mediators help with negotiating prenuptial and postnuptial agreements by facilitating constructive dialogue between couples.
We provide a neutral environment where both parties can discuss their situations openly.
We assist couples with navigating asset division, inheritance rights, and financial disclosure, helping you reach mutually beneficial terms.
Our family mediation solicitors possess the legal expertise to ensure that the agreements adhere to the law and are fair to all parties involved.
We aim to preserve relationships and minimise conflicts in the event of separation or divorce, offering support to couples navigating these agreements.
Frequently asked questions about family mediation
What is family mediation?
Family mediation is when a qualified mediator, who is impartial and trained in family mediation law, assists couples with resolving child and financial matters post-separation.
They can help couples negotiate a range of matters including, child arrangements, the division of finances and arrangements for other family members to see their children.
It's also beneficial for revising existing arrangements, especially as children grow up.
The mediator facilitates finding mutually agreeable solutions and then helps to formalise these agreements legally.
What is the family mediation process?
The family mediator will assist both you and the other parent, either individually or jointly, in addressing all your concerns, exploring various options, assessing their practicality, and reaching an agreement on what is in the best interest of your children.
They can also guide the process of making your agreement legally binding, should you choose to do so.
How long can family mediation take?
A family mediation session typically lasts between one and two hours, and the process may span three to six weeks or more, especially if there are complex matters to work through.
How do I prepare for family mediation?
To prepare for family mediation start by gathering all relevant documents related to finances, childcare, and any agreements or disputes.
Familiarise yourself with the mediation process and its potential outcomes.
Reflect on what you would like to achieve in the mediation, considering what arrangements would best serve your family's needs.
Be open to compromise and willing to listen to the other party's perspective.
Finally, approach the mediation session with a cooperative mindset, aiming to find beneficial solutions for everyone involved.
Once you have reached an agreement consider seeking legal advice to make it legally binding.
What to expect from the first family mediation meeting?
To begin, you'll participate in a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with your mediator.
During this session, which typically lasts around 45 minutes, the mediator will explain the mediation process, discuss payment details, and set expectations.
They'll also conduct screening for domestic abuse and evaluate whether mediation is suitable for your situation. This initial meeting is attended alone.
Throughout the process, the mediator will facilitate discussions to help achieve a mutually agreeable resolution however, they won't be able to make decisions for you.
It is important to inquire about the process or express any concerns during your first session.
Legal Aid for Mediation
Legal Aid is still available for family mediation for people on a low income or receiving benefits.
This means your fees to the local mediation provider will be paid for you, and you will be able to access free legal advice whilst you are in mediation. If only one of you is eligible for Legal Aid, the fees for the first information session (MIAM) for the other person will be paid by Legal Aid.
For more information about these services or to check if you are eligible to use them, call us now on 01606 48777. Alternatively, you can book a free initial consultation.*
*Available to all new Family Law clients.
Get in touch with our family mediation solicitors in Northwich, Cheshire
To speak to a member of the family law team, please call 01606 48777 or complete our online enquiry form.