Family mediation in Wigan
Lakes Mediation helps families in Wigan and across Greater Manchester resolve disputes about child arrangements, finances, separation and divorce without immediately moving into court proceedings.
Wigan mediation support
- MIAM appointments
- Child arrangements mediation
- Parenting plans
- Financial mediation
- Legal aid eligibility checks
Lakes Mediation Wigan
Lakes Mediation provides professional and supportive family mediation services for individuals and families across Wigan, Hindley, Leigh, Atherton and the surrounding towns.
If you are facing separation or divorce, mediation can help you discuss child arrangements, financial issues and communication in a structured setting with an impartial mediator.
What family mediation can help with
Children
Discuss where children live, when they spend time with each parent, school holidays, handovers, schooling and future parenting decisions.
Finances
Work through financial disclosure, property, pensions, savings, debts, maintenance and possible settlement proposals.
Communication
Create a calmer structure for difficult conversations, especially where ongoing co-parenting decisions are needed.
Mediation questions
| What does family mediation cover? | Family mediation can cover children, parenting arrangements, holidays, schooling, finances, property, pensions, savings, debts and maintenance after separation or divorce. |
| Is mediation compulsory? | Mediation itself is voluntary. However, in many family court applications, a MIAM is usually required before applying to court unless an exemption applies. |
| How long does mediation take? | There is no fixed timeline. Children and finance cases are often discussed over several sessions, depending on complexity, disclosure and how willing both people are to engage. |
| What if we cannot agree? | Mediation does not force agreement. If mediation is unsuitable, one person refuses to engage or no proposals are reached, the mediator may be able to issue the relevant court form where appropriate. |
| Can children have a say? | Child Inclusive Mediation may be considered where suitable, both parents agree and the child is old enough and mature enough. A specially trained mediator is required. |
Why use mediation?
Mediation gives separating couples more control over the decisions affecting their family. Instead of having decisions imposed by a court, both people can work through options with support from a neutral mediator.
The process is designed to reduce conflict, support clearer communication and help parents focus on practical arrangements for the future.
MIAM appointments in Wigan
A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It explains the mediation process, considers whether mediation is suitable and allows you to discuss your options confidentially.
If mediation cannot proceed, the mediator may be able to sign the relevant court form, such as a C100 or Form A, where appropriate.
The mediation process in Wigan
The process usually starts with a MIAM, where the mediator explains how mediation works, checks suitability and discusses the issues you need help with.
If mediation is suitable and both people agree to take part, joint sessions can be arranged. These sessions focus on the issues raised during assessment, such as parenting arrangements, financial matters or future communication.
Proposals made in mediation can be recorded. Some outcomes may need legal advice or a court order before they become legally binding.
How Wigan 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, suitability and your options. |
| 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 mediation sessions can begin online or by another suitable format. |
| Work through the issues | The mediator helps structure discussions around parenting, finances, property, pensions, savings, debts 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. |
Help with mediation costs
Lakes Mediation can discuss funding options before mediation starts. Legal aid may cover family mediation if you meet the eligibility rules.
For child arrangement cases, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may also provide a contribution towards joint mediation sessions. The team can explain what support may be available and what information is needed.
Family mediation in Wigan
Wigan is a historic Greater Manchester town between Liverpool and Manchester, known for its industrial heritage, coal mining, cotton textiles and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
The town is associated with Wigan Pier, Trencherfield Mill, Haigh Woodland Park and the Museum of Wigan Life. Lakes Mediation supports families across Wigan and surrounding areas including Hindley, Leigh and Atherton.
Mediation across Wigan
Mediation can help families avoid unnecessary escalation, reduce costs and focus on constructive outcomes after separation.
Appointments can often be arranged online, which may be useful where work, childcare, travel or difficult communication make in-person appointments harder.
Our Wigan hub
Wigan Hub:
Kingscroft Court, Wigan, WN1 3AP
This location is strictly by appointment only and is not staffed. Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can also be arranged online.
Wigan mediation FAQs
| Can mediation help with children? | Yes. Mediation can help parents discuss where children live, when they spend time with each parent, school holidays and future parenting decisions. |
| Can mediation help with finances? | Yes. Mediation can help separating couples work through financial disclosure, property, savings, debts, pensions and settlement proposals. |
| Can mediation be online? | Yes. Online mediation can be useful where work, childcare, travel or difficult communication makes remote appointments more practical. |
| Can legal aid cover mediation? | Legal aid may cover family mediation if you meet the eligibility rules. Lakes Mediation can discuss what information is needed for an assessment. |
| Are mediation agreements legally binding? | Proposals reached in mediation are not automatically legally binding. Legal advice or a court order may be needed to formalise them. |
| Is the Wigan hub staffed? | No. The Wigan hub is strictly by appointment only. Please arrange an appointment before attending. |
Our Wigan location
Find our Wigan mediation hub at Kingscroft Court, Wigan, WN1 3AP. Appointments must be booked in advance.
Start family mediation in Wigan.
Speak to Lakes Mediation about MIAMs, child arrangements, financial mediation, parenting plans, online appointments, legal aid checks or next steps after separation.