Family mediation in Stockport
Lakes Mediation helps families in Stockport, Cheadle, Hazel Grove, Marple and across Greater Manchester resolve disputes about children, finances, separation and divorce.
Stockport mediation support
- MIAM appointments
- Child arrangements mediation
- Parenting plans
- Financial mediation
- Legal aid eligibility checks
Lakes Mediation Stockport
Separation and divorce can be difficult, but family mediation gives families in Stockport a constructive, confidential and cost-effective way to resolve disagreements without immediately moving into court proceedings.
Lakes Mediation supports families across Stockport, Cheadle, Hazel Grove, Marple and the wider Greater Manchester area. Mediation helps you discuss child arrangements, finances, property, pensions and communication with support from an impartial mediator.
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 and property matters
Work through financial disclosure, property, savings, pensions, liabilities and possible settlement proposals.
Child maintenance
Explore practical arrangements for financial support and the ongoing costs of raising children after separation.
Why family mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where an impartial, professionally trained mediator helps separating couples negotiate and agree practical arrangements without immediately relying on the Family Court.
The mediator does not take sides, give legal advice or decide the outcome. Their role is to help both people communicate more clearly, understand the issues and explore options that may work for the family.
Mediation can be faster, less stressful and more cost-conscious than contested court proceedings. It also allows parents and separating couples to stay more in control of the decisions affecting their family.
MIAM appointments in Stockport
Before applying to 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.
A MIAM explains mediation, considers whether it is suitable and allows the mediator to assess whether court forms can be signed if mediation cannot proceed.
Online and local mediation
Lakes Mediation can support families through online mediation where travel, work, childcare or geography make remote appointments more practical.
Online mediation can also help reduce pressure where direct communication is difficult but mediation may still be suitable.
Legal aid and mediation funding
Families in Stockport may be able to access legal aid for family mediation. Legal aid can cover the cost of mediation if you meet the financial eligibility rules based on income, capital, benefits and wider circumstances.
For children cases, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may also provide a contribution of up to £500 towards joint mediation sessions. The voucher does not usually cover the initial MIAM.
Lakes Mediation can explain what information is needed for an assessment and what funding options may be available before mediation begins.
The mediation process in Stockport
The mediation process usually starts with a MIAM. If mediation is suitable and both people agree to continue, joint mediation sessions can then be arranged.
The mediator helps both people focus on the key issues, including parenting arrangements, child maintenance, financial disclosure, property, pensions, liabilities and future communication.
How Stockport 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 an accredited mediator to discuss mediation and suitability. |
| Invite the other person | Where appropriate, the other person can be invited to attend their own separate MIAM. |
| Start joint sessions | If mediation is suitable and both people agree, joint sessions can begin online or by another suitable format. |
| Work through the issues | The mediator helps structure discussions around parenting, money, property, pensions, liabilities or communication. |
| Record proposals | Where proposals are reached, the mediator can record them. Legal advice or a court order may be needed to make some outcomes binding. |
Mediation in Stockport and Greater Manchester
Stockport is a major Greater Manchester town known for Stockport Viaduct, its historic town centre and its links to nearby areas including Bramhall, Cheadle, Gatley, Marple, Romiley and The Heatons.
Lakes Mediation supports families across Stockport and surrounding communities, offering flexible mediation appointments online where suitable.
Our Stockport hub
Stockport Hub:
48 Middle Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 3DL
This location is strictly by appointment only and is not staffed. Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can also be arranged online.
Stockport 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 children? | Yes. Mediation can help parents discuss where children live, when they spend time with each parent and how future decisions are handled. |
| Can mediation help with finances? | Yes. Mediation can help separating couples work through financial disclosure, property, savings, liabilities, pensions and settlement proposals. |
| Can mediation be online? | Yes. Online mediation is often useful for families balancing work, childcare, travel or difficult communication. |
| Can legal aid cover mediation? | Legal aid may cover mediation if you meet the eligibility rules. The team can discuss the information needed for an assessment. |
| Is the Stockport hub staffed? | No. The Stockport hub is strictly by appointment only. Please arrange an appointment before attending. |
Our Stockport location
Find our Stockport mediation hub at 48 Middle Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 3DL. Appointments must be booked in advance.
Start family mediation in Stockport.
Speak to Lakes Mediation about MIAMs, child arrangements, financial mediation, online appointments, legal aid checks or next steps after separation.