LAKES

MEDIATION St Helens

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

Lakes Mediation St Helens

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 St Helens

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

Child custody cases are the most important disputes in any family. The process of going to court and having a judge determine your family's future is a scary and emotional process.

As a result, children's mediation is an advisable alternative to trial. In child mediation, the best interests of the child(ren) is considered a keystone to reaching a consensus that is satisfactory to both parents.

The mediator will help the parents create a co-parenting plan and reach a working agreement that is legally binding and includes detailed parenting schedules, school and medical arrangements and a communication plan between the parents. Lakes Mediation has experts in children’s mediation that can help your family discuss and come to a consensus.

Grandparents

Sometimes, disputes arise between grandparents and their adult children, especially when it comes to access to grandchildren.

This can be a distressing situation for all parties involved. In such cases, mediation can be an effective way to build bridges and improve relationships. Mediators can help grandparents and their children communicate effectively and understand each other's perspectives.

They can also assist in establishing boundaries, expectations, and agreements that work for everyone. Lakes Mediation recognizes the importance of extended family relationships and can provide a respectful and empathetic space for grandparent mediation.

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 most cases, the family home is the most significant asset, and the distribution of the property can be complex.
Mediation can offer several solutions, such as one party buying the other out, selling the home and dividing the proceeds, or co-owning the property and continuing to live in it.

Child Arrangements Order St Helens

Arrangements for School Holidays

One of the most challenging aspects of parenting after a separation is arranging times for holidays and other special occasions.

With a Child Arrangements Order, these issues can be addressed in advance, providing clarity and reducing the potential for conflict.

When making a decision about school holiday arrangements, the court will consider a number of factors, including the age of the child, the logistics of transportation, and the proximity of other family members.

It is generally recommended that the arrangements should be as fair and reasonable as possible, taking into account the child’s best interests.

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 St Helens

One of the biggest concerns in divorce or separation is financial support. Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, involves regular payments to one spouse from the other to help them maintain their lifestyle. However, determining the right amount and duration can be challenging, especially if there are disagreements. Through family mediation, lakes Mediation can help couples reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement regarding spousal maintenance. Mediators can work with the parties to understand their needs and obligations, assess their financial situations, and help them negotiate a settlement that works for both parties. Some advantages of mediation for spousal maintenance include:

  1. More control over the outcome than litigation.
  2. Lower costs and faster resolution.
  3. Flexible agreement terms that can be adjusted over time.
  4. Reduced hostility and stress.
  5. Improved communication and co-parenting.

Why Choose lakes Mediation St Helens Over Court?

children

Why Mediation Is Needed

Family mediation is needed for many reasons. Firstly, it provides a way for family members to communicate with one another in a safe environment.

Mediation allows all parties to express their feelings and concerns in a respectful manner. Secondly, mediation can help to preserve important relationships. It allows individuals to work together to find solutions that benefit everyone, rather than causing further damage to relationships.

Finally, mediation is often less expensive and less time-consuming than going to court. It is also generally less adversarial, which can make for a smoother and more positive process.
mediation

Is It Legally Binding?

Family mediation is not legally binding, but parties can choose to make the agreement legally binding by drafting a Consent Order or signing a contract.

Such arrangements can be binding and enforceable in court.

It’s important to understand that although mediation is not legally binding, parties must comply with agreements reached during mediation. In some cases, parties are legally required to attempt mediation before taking legal action.

mediation

What Is
Mediation?

Lakes Mediation is a professional family mediation service provider that aims to help families through difficult times.

The team of experienced mediators at Lakes Mediation is skilled in managing family disputes and committed to helping families reach mutually acceptable solutions. The company offers various types of mediation, including child custody and access mediation, divorce mediation, and family business mediation.

Lakes Mediation also provides online mediation services to clients who cannot attend in-person sessions.

Benefits of Lakes Mediation St Helens

Family disputes can be challenging and stressful, especially if they result in legal battles. Fortunately, there is a way to resolve conflicts peacefully and amicably through family mediation. This process allows the parties involved to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement, with the help of a neutral mediator. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of family mediation and how Lakes Mediation in Louth can assist families in resolving their conflicts.

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

Often, before beginning a mediation process, all parties must attend a MIAM. A MIAM is an initial meeting where the mediator assesses whether mediation is appropriate for the conflict at hand. This assessment includes whether the parties are prepared for mediation, whether any safety procedures need to be followed, and any other necessary factors.

SUCCESS STORIES
From Lakes Mediation St Helens 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