Family mediation across Cumbria and the North West.
Lakes Mediation helps separating parents, couples and families make practical arrangements for children, finances and the future through calm, impartial family mediation.
Prefer to speak to someone? Call 01539 644 002
Start here
- Tell us what help you need.
- Book a MIAM or assessment.
- Check whether mediation is suitable.
- Begin children or financial mediation if appropriate.
A confidential first step for children arrangements, finances, property, parenting issues and future communication.
Family mediation across the North West
Lakes Mediation supports families across Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire.
Cumbria
Lancashire
Greater Manchester
Merseyside
Cheshire
Staffordshire
Shropshire
What do you need help with?
Children arrangements
Parenting plans, school holidays, Christmas, birthdays, communication and time with each parent.
Financial mediation
Property, pensions, savings, debts, income, disclosure and future financial arrangements.
MIAM assessments
A confidential individual meeting to consider whether mediation is suitable before any next step.
Online and shuttle mediation
Remote or separate-room mediation where sitting together is not suitable or practical.
Legal aid and funded support
Some clients may qualify for legal aid or funded family mediation support where eligibility rules are met.
Children and parenting arrangements
Mediation can help parents discuss practical arrangements for where children live, how time is shared, holidays, handovers, communication and special occasions.
- School holidays
- Christmas and birthdays
- Parenting routines
- Communication between parents
Finances, property and pensions
Mediation can also support discussions around property, pensions, savings, debts, disclosure and practical financial proposals after separation.
- Home ownership
- Pensions
- Financial disclosure
- Future arrangements
A MIAM is usually the first step.
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is a confidential individual meeting with a trained family mediator. It helps establish whether mediation is suitable, whether any safety issues need to be considered, and what the next step should be.
How the mediation process works
| Initial enquiry | You explain the issue and what support is needed. |
| MIAM / assessment | Suitability, safety and next steps are considered. |
| Mediation sessions | Children or financial issues are discussed in a structured setting. |
| Proposals recorded | Any proposals reached in mediation can be summarised. |
| Legal formalisation | Legal advice or court orders may follow where needed. |
Clear fees before you begin.
Understand the likely cost of MIAMs, mediation sessions and any funded support before making decisions about the next step.
| MIAM / assessment | First individual meeting |
| Mediation sessions | Structured family mediation |
| Legal aid | Where eligibility rules are met |
| Voucher scheme | Where available for suitable children cases |
Support with cost and access to mediation
Legal aid
Some clients may qualify for legal aid for family mediation. Eligibility depends on financial circumstances and the type of issue being discussed.
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
Where available, suitable children cases may be eligible for support through the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.
For solicitors and professional referrers
Refer a client for MIAM assessment, family mediation, online mediation or child-inclusive mediation across Cumbria and the North West.
Start with a confidential family mediation assessment.
Speak to Lakes Mediation about children, finances, MIAMs, online mediation, legal aid or professional referral.