Areas we cover
Lakes Mediation supports families across the North West with MIAM appointments, child arrangements, financial mediation, legal aid checks and online mediation.
Find your nearest hub
- Family mediation
- MIAM appointments
- Child arrangements
- Financial mediation
- Online appointments available
Why choose Lakes Family Mediation?
Family conflict can involve child arrangements, finances, property, pensions, communication breakdowns or the wider impact of separation. Court can be expensive, slow and stressful, especially where parents still need to communicate afterwards.
Family mediation gives you a calmer, more structured way to discuss the issues with an impartial mediator. The aim is to help both people explore practical options and work towards proposals that fit the family, without immediately relying on court proceedings.
Areas we cover
Lakes Mediation covers mediation hubs across Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the Wirral.
Mediation near you or online
Many mediation appointments can be arranged online, which is often useful where work, childcare, distance or communication difficulties make travel harder.
Local hubs are strictly by appointment only. Speak to the team before attending so the right appointment type can be arranged.
Family mediation
Family mediation can help separating couples discuss children arrangements, parenting plans, finances, property, pensions, savings, debts and future communication.
The mediator remains impartial and helps both people focus on practical proposals rather than escalating the dispute.
Civil and commercial mediation
Lakes Mediation can also support suitable civil and commercial disputes, including workplace issues, business disputes, wills and probate matters, neighbour disputes and other disagreements where mediation may help.
Mediation can provide a private, structured and more cost-conscious alternative to immediate litigation.
How mediation works
| Contact Lakes Mediation | Tell the team what help you need, including MIAMs, children arrangements, financial mediation, legal aid checks or online appointments. |
| Attend your MIAM | A MIAM is an individual confidential meeting where the mediator explains the process and considers whether mediation is suitable. |
| Invite the other person | Where appropriate, the other person can be invited to attend their own separate MIAM. |
| Start mediation sessions | If mediation is suitable and both people agree, joint sessions can begin online or in another suitable format. |
| Work through the issues | The mediator helps structure discussions around children, property, finances, pensions, communication or other areas of dispute. |
| Record proposals | Where proposals are reached, they can be recorded. Some outcomes may need legal advice or a court order before becoming binding. |
Why mediation can help
Neutral support
The mediator does not take sides. Their role is to help both people take part and explore practical options.
You stay in control
Mediation helps you work towards your own proposals rather than having decisions imposed immediately through court.
Private and structured
Mediation provides a confidential process within appropriate limits, helping people speak more openly and stay focused.
Lakes Mediation hub map
Use the map below to view Lakes Mediation hubs across the North West. Appointments must be arranged in advance.
Areas we cover FAQs
| Do I need to attend a local hub? | No. Many MIAMs and mediation appointments can be arranged online where suitable. |
| Are the hubs staffed? | No. Hub locations are strictly by appointment only. Please arrange an appointment before attending. |
| Can I use mediation if the other person lives elsewhere? | Yes. Online mediation can help where the two people live in different areas or cannot easily travel to the same location. |
| Can Lakes Mediation help with children and finances? | Yes. Mediation can help with child arrangements, parenting plans, financial disclosure, property, savings, pensions and debts. |
| Can legal aid cover mediation? | Legal aid may be available if you meet the eligibility rules. Lakes Mediation can discuss what information is needed for an assessment. |
| Do I need a MIAM before court? | In many family cases, a MIAM is usually required before applying to court unless an exemption applies. |
Find a Lakes Mediation hub near you.
Speak to Lakes Mediation about MIAMs, child arrangements, financial mediation, legal aid checks, online appointments or local mediation hubs across the North West.