LAKES

MEDIATION Chester

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

Lakes Mediation

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 Chester

Finances

Financial disagreements can result in simmering conflicts in families.

Be it the dissolution of a marriage or issues related to inheritance, asset division, or child support, it is imperative that families collaborate and make informed decisions that consider the well-being of everyone involved.

At Lakes Mediation, our mediators facilitate discussions that help families to explore various options, formulate a plan that works for everyone, and address the financial concerns of all parties.

Our goal is to help families reach a mutually acceptable financial settlement that is practical and feasible in the long run.

Children

Another benefit of family mediation is its focus on children's needs and interests.

Children often become the innocent victims of family disputes, which can lead to long-term emotional damage. Mediation provides an opportunity for parents to discuss their children's welfare, education, visitation schedules, and other essential matters.

The mediator acts as a neutral third-party who can help facilitate a mutually acceptable arrangement for the children's well-being. Lakes Mediation places a high emphasis on child-centered mediation to ensure that the children's voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Grandparents

Grandparents can play a significant role in their grandchild’s life; however, conflict between grandparents and the parents of the children can be challenging.

Grandparent mediation involves working with grandparents and their children to try to find a way to maintain relationships with their grandchildren.

Pension

Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets a couple owns, and often they are shared between the spouses.
Dividing a pension can be a complicated process, but with mediation, everything becomes more transparent.
Mediation can provide the couple with many options, such as offsetting or outright sharing the pension.

HOME OWNERSHIP

In cases where a family dispute involves the division of property, family mediation can offer a more comfortable and peaceful alternative to the court.
One of the most common issues in property disputes is deciding who gets ownership of the family home.
Mediation can help avoid costly litigation, as well as allow for more creative solutions to be reached such as buyout options or splitting of assets.
Mediation also allows parties to preserve their relationships, which may be important especially when children are involved.

Child Arrangements Order Chester

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

Another important consideration when making a child arrangement order is how the child will spend holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Many parents want to spend these special occasions with their children, but it can be challenging to come to an agreement on the specifics. In some cases, the court may specify alternate Christmas arrangements, where the child spends one year with one parent and the next year with the other parent.

Regardless of the specifics of the arrangement, it’s essential to remember that the focus should always be on what is best for the child. This may mean making some sacrifices or compromises, but ultimately, the child’s happiness and well-being should be the top priority.

Arrangements for Birthdays

Birthdays are another important occasion that can be difficult to navigate after a separation. With a Child Arrangements Order, the arrangements for birthdays can be made in advance, providing structure and reducing conflict.

When making a decision about birthday arrangements, the court will consider the age of the child, the wishes of the child, and the practicalities of the situation.

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

Spousal Maintenance Chester

Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony or spousal support, is another important issue in divorce or separation. In a spousal maintenance mediation session, parties can discuss and negotiate the amount and duration of the support payments. Here are some tips for a successful spousal maintenance mediation:

  1. Know the law: understand the legal framework and guidelines for spousal maintenance in your jurisdiction
  2. Be reasonable: consider factors such as the parties’ income and expenses, the length of the marriage, and the ability to support oneself
  3. Be flexible: the amount and duration of spousal maintenance can be negotiated and adjusted based on changing circumstances such as job loss or illness
  4. Be respectful: avoid taking a punitive or adversarial approach, and focus on finding a mutually acceptable solution
  5. Be prepared: have all necessary documentation and information ready, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and budget estimates

Why Choose lakes Mediation Chester Over Court?

children

Why Mediation Is Needed

One of the primary reasons for seeking family mediation is to avoid costly and time-consuming court proceedings.

Family mediation can also help families to reach an agreement while reducing the emotional stress caused by disputes.

In addition, mediation puts control in the hands of the family members involved in the conflict, rather than a judge.

The mediator facilitates discussions and helps parties identify their interests and priorities to create a solution that works for everyone.

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?

At Lakes Mediation, we offer family mediation services to individuals in the community who wish to resolve disputes without resorting to legal action.

Our team of certified mediators has years of experience in the field, and we pride ourselves on providing a safe, neutral, and specialized area for our clients to find resolution.

Our mediators are trained to facilitate communication between the parties and guide them through the negotiation process, with the goal of finding mutually agreeable solutions that will work for all parties involved.

Benefits of Lakes Mediation Chester

Family conflict can bring unnecessary stress and tension. It is normal for family members to argue and disagree, but when communication breaks down, it can lead to damaging consequences. Disputes within a family can be overwhelming, creating a toxic environment that affects everyone’s mental health. Fortunately, family mediation has become a popular option in recent years. If you’re struggling with family conflict, Lakes Mediation offers you a solution to address communication issues. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of Lakes mediation and why it is the best choice for resolving disputes.

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

A MIAM, or Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, is a meeting that is often required before starting the mediation process. A MIAM is a chance for each party to meet with a qualified mediator who will explain the process of mediation, answer any questions they may have, and assess whether mediation is suitable for their situation.

SUCCESS STORIES
From Lakes Mediation Chester 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