LAKES

MEDIATION Darlington

Helping couples across the North West resolve conflict around children and financial disputes themselves without the need of courts or solicitors…

Lakes Mediation Lancashire

There will always be disputes between families but choosing mediation is a better solution for dispute resolution – avoid court contact us today!

lakes mediation

Lakes Mediation Darlington

Finances

Financial disagreements can result in simmering conflicts in families.

Be it the dissolution of a marriage or issues related to inheritance, asset division, or child support, it is imperative that families collaborate and make informed decisions that consider the well-being of everyone involved.

At Lakes Mediation, our mediators facilitate discussions that help families to explore various options, formulate a plan that works for everyone, and address the financial concerns of all parties.

Our goal is to help families reach a mutually acceptable financial settlement that is practical and feasible in the long run.

Children

Child custody cases are the most important disputes in any family. The process of going to court and having a judge determine your family's future is a scary and emotional process.

As a result, children's mediation is an advisable alternative to trial. In child mediation, the best interests of the child(ren) is considered a keystone to reaching a consensus that is satisfactory to both parents.

The mediator will help the parents create a co-parenting plan and reach a working agreement that is legally binding and includes detailed parenting schedules, school and medical arrangements and a communication plan between the parents. Lakes Mediation has experts in children’s mediation that can help your family discuss and come to a consensus.

Grandparents

Sometimes, disputes arise between grandparents and their adult children, especially when it comes to access to grandchildren.

This can be a distressing situation for all parties involved. In such cases, mediation can be an effective way to build bridges and improve relationships. Mediators can help grandparents and their children communicate effectively and understand each other's perspectives.

They can also assist in establishing boundaries, expectations, and agreements that work for everyone. Lakes Mediation recognizes the importance of extended family relationships and can provide a respectful and empathetic space for grandparent mediation.

Pension

One of the most significant assets that are often part of divorce negotiations is the pension.
It's a complicated asset to value and divide, and if not managed correctly, it can result in unfairness or even financial ruin. That is where a family mediator comes in.
A family mediator can discuss the details of your pension and how it is valued, as well as explore options for division.
Through mediation sessions, you and your spouse can work together to reach a mutual agreement on how the pension will be divided.

HOME OWNERSHIP

Similarly, when it comes to property disputes, a family mediator can provide a safe and non-judgmental space to navigate this sensitive issue.
Homeownership is often the most valuable asset for families, which can make property disputes complicated and long-lasting.
A mediator can provide an unbiased perspective and guide the conversation towards a common ground or compromise.
The mediator can help evaluate the value of the property, choose a real estate appraiser and even assist in drafting necessary documentation.

Child Arrangements Order Darlington

Arrangements for School Holidays

One of the most significant benefits of a Child Arrangements Order is that it can help parents plan for the children’s school holidays.

The order typically outlines where the child should spend specific holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and summer vacations.

This helps to avoid confusion as both parents will know exactly where the children will be during the holidays.

It also helps children adjust to the separation situation as they can have the assurance of spending significant dates with both parents.

Arrangements for Christmas

Christmas can be an especially difficult time for separated families, as it is a time that is often associated with traditions and spending time together as a family.

It is important to approach the arrangements with a child-focused approach, keeping in mind the importance of spending time with both parents.

When making a decision about Christmas arrangements, the court will consider the wishes and feelings of the child, as well as the practicalities of the situation. &

It is generally recommended that the arrangements provide for a balance of time spent with each parent, as well as taking into account family traditions and the child’s best interests.

Arrangements for Birthdays

Birthdays are another occasion that can be challenging for parents to navigate after separation.

Many parents want to spend this special day with their child, but it can be difficult to decide on how to split the day or who will have the child on their actual birthday. In some cases, the court may specify that the child spends half the day with one parent and half with the other.

However, it’s worth remembering that the specifics of the arrangements will depend on the unique circumstances of each family. What is most important is that the arrangement is fair, consistent, and in the best interests of the child.

Spousal Maintenance Darlington

One of the biggest concerns in divorce or separation is financial support. Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, involves regular payments to one spouse from the other to help them maintain their lifestyle. However, determining the right amount and duration can be challenging, especially if there are disagreements. Through family mediation, lakes Mediation can help couples reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement regarding spousal maintenance. Mediators can work with the parties to understand their needs and obligations, assess their financial situations, and help them negotiate a settlement that works for both parties. Some advantages of mediation for spousal maintenance include:

  1. More control over the outcome than litigation.
  2. Lower costs and faster resolution.
  3. Flexible agreement terms that can be adjusted over time.
  4. Reduced hostility and stress.
  5. Improved communication and co-parenting.

Why Choose lakes Mediation Darlington Over Court?

children

Why Mediation Is Needed

Mediation is needed when two or more parties cannot resolve the issues between them. In family disputes, those involved may not be able to communicate clearly or may feel undervalued and disrespected.

As a result, differences can quickly escalate and lead to further conflict.

In such situations, enlisting the help of a mediator can facilitate a respectful dialogue between parties, opening channels of communication, and, ultimately, leading to a peaceful resolution.

mediation

Is It Legally Binding?

Family mediation is not legally binding, but parties can choose to make the agreement legally binding by drafting a Consent Order or signing a contract.

Such arrangements can be binding and enforceable in court.

It’s important to understand that although mediation is not legally binding, parties must comply with agreements reached during mediation. In some cases, parties are legally required to attempt mediation before taking legal action.

mediation

What Is
Mediation?

At Lakes Mediation, we offer family mediation services to individuals in the community who wish to resolve disputes without resorting to legal action.

Our team of certified mediators has years of experience in the field, and we pride ourselves on providing a safe, neutral, and specialized area for our clients to find resolution.

Our mediators are trained to facilitate communication between the parties and guide them through the negotiation process, with the goal of finding mutually agreeable solutions that will work for all parties involved.

Benefits of Lakes Mediation Darlington

Divorce or separation is never easy, especially when children are involved. It can be emotionally taxing for everyone in the family, and the legal process can also be complicated and costly. That’s why many families are turning to family mediation as a way to resolve disputes and come to agreements in a peaceful and mutually beneficial way. If you’re considering family mediation, you’re taking an important step towards a more amicable and efficient process. In this guide by Lakes Mediation, we’ll explore the benefits of family mediation and how it can help your family during a difficult time.

Mediating can help in  several ways, including:

MIAMS Session

To what end does a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) serve?


The initial consultation with a trained family mediator to discuss whether or not mediation could help you resolve your dispute outside of court is called a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

Mediators Role

The mediator’s job is to help you and the other parent talk through your problems, consider possible solutions, evaluate how well they would work inpractise, and ultimately agree on the best course of action.

In shuttle mediation, the disputing parties are separated into separate rooms, and the mediator “shuttles” between them until they strike a compromise.

Confidential

The mediator is obligated to retain in strictest confidence any information shared with them during the mediation process.
Since is it can be or at any if it becomes that one or both aren’t a through it.

It is the mediator’s responsibility to ensure that the interests and perspectives of the children involved are taken into account.

Miams

Family disputes can be emotionally draining, time-consuming and expensive. It can also take an emotional toll on all parties involved. In many situations, litigation is not the best approach. This is where family mediation comes in. Mediation is a process that enables parties to resolve disputes in a confidential and informal setting. It provides a more amicable way to resolve disputes, fostering communication and compromises to find mutually acceptable solutions. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of mediation and MIAMs and how Lakes Mediation can help to reduce the cost, time, and stress of family disputes.

SUCCESS STORIES
From Lakes Mediation Darlington Clients

child access mediation
After our divorce I was seeing less and less of the children. Things were becoming strained and as I work shifts it was stressful. With Lakes help we sorted out an access plan within 2 short sessions thank you!
J. Evans
Lincs
FPDS trusted
The option of shuttle and online mediation made things possible for us. After years of arguments I was amazed that we reached a financial decision within a 4 sessions. We are now both able to move forward.
B. Smith
Cumbria
parental plan1
When our relationship ended we were unable to come to an agreement on our business we built together. Lakes mediation held a safe and confidential space for us to come to a mutual agreement and avoid the stress and cost of court. Thank you!
V. Frazier
Newcastle
Handling Household Dispute