LAKES

MEDIATION Array

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

Lakes Mediation Runcorn

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 Runcorn

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

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

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

When it comes to homeownership, family mediation can help parties to explore the different options for dividing a property.
For example, one party can keep the property and, in return, pay out the other party's share in cash or by offsetting the assets.
Family mediation can be beneficial in addressing potential issues, which otherwise can lead to further complications in court proceedings if not resolved timely.

Child Arrangements Order Runcorn

Arrangements for School Holidays

One of the primary things that a child arrangement order addresses is how parents will share the responsibilities of raising their child.

This includes deciding who the child will live with, how often they will see the other parent, and how they will share expenses related to the child’s care. Additionally, the order may specify arrangements for school holidays, which can be a contentious issue for separated parents.

When deciding on arrangements for school holidays, the court will take into account the child’s age and needs, as well as the parents’ schedules and availability. For example, if one parent has a more flexible job or schedule, they may be responsible for taking care of the child during school holidays.

Ultimately, the goal of the arrangement is to ensure that both parents have meaningful and consistent relationships with the child, even if they are not living together.

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 Runcorn

Resolving disputes related to spousal maintenance can be equally challenging, and can often bring up painful emotions related to past relationships. However, family mediation can provide a way forward that is respectful and fair to all parties involved. Some of the top benefits of spousal maintenance mediation include:

  1. Privacy: Like financial mediation, spousal maintenance mediation offers a private environment where you can discuss personal issues without fear of judgement.
  2. Control: Unlike a court ruling, mediation allows all parties to have a say in the final outcome. This can be hugely beneficial in making sure that everyone’s needs are met.
  3. Emphasis on the future: One of the major differences between court proceedings and mediation is that mediation places emphasis on the future. This means that all parties involved can focus on moving forward, rather than focusing on what happened in the past.
  4. Reduced acrimony: Mediation provides a way to resolve disputes without the need for contentious arguments. This can reduce feelings of acrimony towards one another, and pave the way for future interactions.

Why Choose lakes Mediation Runcorn Over Court?

children

Why Mediation Is Needed

Mediation is needed when two or more parties cannot resolve the issues between them. In family disputes, those involved may not be able to communicate clearly or may feel undervalued and disrespected.

As a result, differences can quickly escalate and lead to further conflict.

In such situations, enlisting the help of a mediator can facilitate a respectful dialogue between parties, opening channels of communication, and, ultimately, leading to a peaceful resolution.
mediation

Is It Legally Binding?

One of the most commonly asked questions is whether mediation agreements are legally enforceable.

Yes, they are legally binding as long as the parties enter into them voluntarily. Once an agreement has been reached, Lakes Mediation drafts a memorandum of understanding (MOU,) containing all the key terms.

The parties can then review the MOU with their respective attorneys before finalizing the agreement. The mediator does not represent either party but instead acts neutrally to facilitate the agreement.

mediation

What Is
Mediation?

Lakes Mediation is a professional and empathetic family mediation service provider, located in the UK. Our team of experienced and accredited family mediators is dedicated to helping families resolve their disputes in a constructive and collaborative manner.

We offer a range of mediation services, including divorce and separation, child arrangements, financial matters, and eldercare. We also provide online mediation, to ensure accessibility and convenience for families who may not be able to attend in-person.

Benefits of Lakes Mediation Runcorn

Family disputes can be overwhelming, emotionally draining and costly if not handled well. It’s essential to find a peaceful and satisfactory solution for everyone involved to move forward, and that’s where family mediation comes to play. At Lakes Mediation, we understand family conflicts can arise for various reasons, such as divorce, separation, or inheritance issues. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of family mediation and how it can help resolve disputes in a collaborative and respectful way.

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

Family disputes can be emotionally draining, time-consuming and expensive. It can also take an emotional toll on all parties involved. In many situations, litigation is not the best approach. This is where family mediation comes in. Mediation is a process that enables parties to resolve disputes in a confidential and informal setting. It provides a more amicable way to resolve disputes, fostering communication and compromises to find mutually acceptable solutions. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of mediation and MIAMs and how Lakes Mediation can help to reduce the cost, time, and stress of family disputes.

SUCCESS STORIES
From Lakes Mediation Runcorn 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