Family mediation in Preston
Lakes Family Mediation helps families in Preston and across Lancashire work out practical arrangements around children, finances, divorce and separation without immediately going to court.
Preston mediation support
- MIAM appointments
- Child arrangements mediation
- Parenting plans
- Financial mediation
- Legal aid eligibility checks
Lakes Mediation Preston
For families going through separation or divorce, family mediation offers a confidential, cost-conscious and practical way to resolve disputes about children, finances, property and future arrangements.
Lakes Mediation helps families in Preston and the wider North West discuss difficult issues in a structured setting with an impartial mediator. The aim is to help both people work towards clear proposals without immediately relying on court proceedings.
What family mediation can help with
Child arrangements
Discuss where children live, when they spend time with each parent, school holidays, handovers and special occasions.
Financial matters
Work through property, savings, debts, income, pensions, maintenance and financial disclosure following separation.
Parenting plans
Create practical proposals for communication, decision-making, school issues, healthcare and future co-parenting.
Understanding family mediation
Family mediation is a structured process where an impartial mediator helps separating couples discuss practical issues and work towards proposals that may suit the family.
The mediator does not take sides, give legal advice or make decisions for you. Their role is to manage the conversation, keep discussions focused and help both people explore workable options.
Before applying to the Family Court for many children or financial orders, most people are expected to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, known as a MIAM, unless an exemption applies.
MIAM appointments in Preston
A MIAM is a private one-to-one meeting with a mediator. It explains mediation, considers whether it is suitable and gives you the chance to discuss funding options before deciding on next steps.
If court action is later needed, the mediator may be able to provide the relevant form, such as a C100 or Form A, where appropriate.
Legal aid for mediation
Lakes Family Mediation is partnered with AMS Mediation Services Limited, who are contracted with the Legal Aid Agency, helping eligible clients access funded family mediation.
If you qualify for legal aid, the cost of your MIAM and mediation sessions may be covered. If only one person qualifies, the other person may receive a free MIAM and first joint mediation session.
Funding support for Preston mediation
Legal aid is public funding designed to help people on a low income or with limited capital access mediation services. Eligibility is assessed using your income, benefits, savings and wider financial circumstances.
For children cases, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may also provide a contribution of up to £500 towards joint mediation sessions. This can help reduce the cost of mediation where the dispute involves child arrangements.
The mediation process in Preston
The process usually starts with a MIAM appointment. This helps the mediator understand the situation, explain the process and consider whether mediation is suitable.
If both people agree to mediate, sessions can then be arranged to discuss children, finances, communication or other family issues. Where proposals are reached, the mediator can record them in documents such as a parenting plan or mediation summary.
How Preston mediation works
| Contact Lakes Mediation | Speak to the team about your situation and whether you need help with children, finances, MIAMs or court forms. |
| Attend your MIAM | You attend an individual confidential meeting with a mediator to discuss mediation, suitability and funding options. |
| Check funding | The mediator can discuss legal aid eligibility and whether the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may apply. |
| 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, sessions can begin online or by another suitable format. |
| Record proposals | Where proposals are reached, these can be recorded. Legal advice or court approval may be needed to make some outcomes binding. |
Mediation in Preston and Lancashire
Preston is a historic Lancashire city with strong links to industry, transport and civic life. It is known for the Preston Guild, its cotton and textile heritage, the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, St Walburge’s Church, Preston North End FC and the Preston By-pass, now part of the M6.
Lakes Mediation supports families in Preston and across the wider Lancashire area with MIAMs, child arrangements, financial mediation, legal aid checks and online appointments.
Our Preston hub
Preston Hub:
112 Deepdale Road, Preston, PR1 5AR
This location is strictly by appointment only and is not staffed. Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can also be arranged online.
Preston mediation FAQs
| Do I need a MIAM before court? | In many family cases, a MIAM is usually required before applying to court unless an exemption applies. |
| Can mediation help with child arrangements? | Yes. Mediation can help parents discuss where children live, when they spend time with each parent and how decisions are made. |
| Can mediation help with finances? | Yes. Mediation can help with financial disclosure, property, savings, debts, pensions, maintenance and possible settlement proposals. |
| Can legal aid cover mediation? | Legal aid may cover mediation if you meet the eligibility rules. The mediator can discuss what information is needed for an assessment. |
| Can mediation be online? | Yes. Online mediation is often useful where work, childcare, travel or communication difficulties make remote appointments more practical. |
| Is the Preston hub staffed? | No. The Preston hub is strictly by appointment only. Please arrange an appointment before attending. |
Our Preston location
Find our Preston mediation hub at 112 Deepdale Road, Preston, PR1 5AR. Appointments must be booked in advance.
Start family mediation in Preston.
Speak to Lakes Mediation about MIAMs, child arrangements, financial mediation, legal aid checks, online appointments or next steps after separation.