- Confidential
- Impartial
- Local
- Cost Effect Services
- Fast appointments
- Experienced
- High Success Rate
Lakes Family Mediation. We help families in the North West work out plans around children. Mediation can help couples work out arrangements around divorce and separation issues.
Call our team on 01539 644 002
For families undergoing separation or divorce, Family Mediation offers a confidential, cost-effective, and empowering way to resolve disputes concerning children and financial assets. Crucially, access to mediation services is supported by government funding through Legal Aid.
Family mediation is a structured process where an impartial mediator helps separating couples negotiate solutions regarding:
Child Arrangements: Where children live, the schedule for time spent with each parent (contact), holidays, and decision-making on schooling or medical care.
Financial and Property Matters: The division of marital assets, including the family home, savings, pensions, and spousal or child maintenance.
The Mandatory First Step (The MIAM): Before applying to the Family Court for an Order regarding children or finances, you must first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is a private, one-on-one session with the mediator to assess the suitability of mediation and explore funding options
Lakes family mediation is partnered with AMS Mediation Services Limited who are contracted with the Legal Aid Agency, ensuring financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
What is Legal Aid? Legal Aid (public funding) is government financial support designed to help individuals with low income or capital access mediation services, preventing financial hardship from being a barrier to resolving family disputes.
Eligibility Check: The mediator will conduct a means-test during your MIAM to determine if you meet the financial criteria. This assessment is based on your income and savings.
Key Benefit: If you qualify for Legal Aid, the cost of your MIAM and all subsequent joint mediation sessions will be fully covered. Furthermore, if only one party qualifies, the other party automatically receives a free MIAM and the first joint mediation session—a significant incentive for couples to try mediation.
Voucher Scheme: Separately, the government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may provide up to £500 towards joint mediation costs for cases specifically concerning children.
Our expert approach helps parents find solutions to family disputes: The process follows these guidelines.
MIAM Appointment – The mediation information assessment meeting. An initial meeting to assess suitability and for you to understand the process and your options.
Mediation Sessions – If both parties agree to mediate following their MIAM, mediation sessions are arranged.
Discussions and Negotiation – Talks are held to find solutions around family focused issues.
Documentation – Written agreements such as Parenting Plans or Financial Summaries for legal use
Preston is a city deeply woven into the fabric of English history and industry, boasting unique distinctions and iconic landmarks. It is globally famous for being the only place in England to still host the Preston Guild celebrations every 20 years since 1179, a tradition rooted in its early days as a chartered market town. Preston was a crucial hub during the Industrial Revolution, known for its pivotal role in the cotton and textile industries.
The Harris Museum and Art Gallery and the stunning St Walburge’s Church, which boasts the tallest spire of any parish church in England. Furthermore, Preston is a place of major transport and sporting heritage: it was the site of the UK’s first motorway (the Preston By-pass, now part of the M6) and is the home of Preston North End FC, one of the founding members of the Football League and the first team to achieve the league and cup double.
We offer mediation hubs around the North West. Family Mediation, Legal Aid Mediation.
Strictly by Appointment Only. Location is not staffed.
Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can be arranged online
Our Preston Hub – Find us at
112 Deepdale Rd, Preston PR1 5AR
Call our team to book your mediation on 01539 644 002.
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