LAKES

MEDIATION

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

Finances

Arguments about money can cause severe tension in any family. That's why finance mediation is a crucial aspect of family mediation.

In finance mediation, a neutral mediator guides the parties involved in discussing their finances and coming to agreements in a non-confrontational and non-judgmental environment.

The mediator will help identify the issues, outline options and craft a mutually acceptable agreement.

It can cover anything from a divorce agreement to business disputes or inheritance conflicts. Lakes Mediation team has extensive experience in financial mediation and can help your family reach an agreement that works for each side.

Children

Parental separation can be difficult, and this can put children at the heart of family disputes. In such instances, family mediation can provide a safe and supportive environment for parents to communicate openly about the best interests of their children.

Mediators can assist parents in creating a parenting plan that works for both parties, covering elements such as visitation schedules, holidays, and school activities.

Family mediation helps parents to manage their emotions and reach an agreement that focuses on the well-being of their children.

Grandparents

Grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. As a result, conflicts that arise between grandparents and their adult children are typically devastating.

Grandparent mediation helps the family members in creating a mutual agreement about how often grandparents will see and communicate with their grandchildren after parental disagreements or divorce.

Lakes Mediation can facilitate dialogue between grandparents or family members to ensure a resolution that is satisfactory for everyone involved.

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

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

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 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

Spousal maintenance or alimony is another area where mediation can be helpful. Mediation allows both parties to work out an agreement that considers the needs of both. For instance, if one spouse has been a stay-at-home parent, they may need financial support during and after the divorce. Here are some of the benefits of spousal maintenance mediation.

  1. Confidentiality: Mediation allows parties to have a more intimate discussion about spousal maintenance in private.
  2. Control: Both parties have the opportunity to negotiate what they feel is a fair spousal maintenance agreement.
  3. Better outcomes: Both parties are happier with the outcome of mediation since they had a say in the negotiating process.

Why Choose lakes Mediation 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?

One of the most frequently asked questions about mediation is whether the agreements reached are binding.

Mediation agreements are not legally binding in themselves. However, they can be made legally enforceable by entering them into a court order. This means that if one party does not comply with the agreement, they can be held legally responsible. Mediation is a completely voluntary process, so all parties involved must agree on the terms and sign the documentation required.

Lakes Mediation ensures that the legal implications of the agreement are thoroughly discussed before the documents are signed, to ensure parties understand what is involved.

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

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

MIAMs are information and assessment meetings that are usually the first step in the mediation process. MIAMs are mandatory before a family dispute case can go to court. During a MIAM, the mediator explains the process of mediation, assesses whether mediation is appropriate for the case, and provides information on other options available. This includes the costs, rights, and obligations related to mediation. The MIAM is confidential and only involves the mediator and the parties involved.

SUCCESS STORIES
From Lakes Mediation 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