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 Darlington

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

One of the main reasons for family disputes is financial issues. Disagreements over money, property, and asset distribution can quickly escalate and can become distressing for everyone involved.

In Lakes Mediation, we understand the sensitivity of financial disagreements between family members and mediators use their skills to facilitate a constructive and calm discussion. Mediators help families to explore and identify each party's needs, concerns, and priorities. In finance mediation, both parties have the opportunity to explain their proposal, suggest alternatives, and ultimately come to a mutually agreeable solution.

Children

Child custody battles can be some of the most damaging and emotional disputes in a family.

However, through child mediation, parents can come to agreements on time-sharing, child support, and decision-making that prioritizes the best interest of their children.

Child mediation seeks to find a solution that works for both parents, which in turn creates a positive and less stressful environment for the children.

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

Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets a couple owns, and often they are shared between the spouses.
Dividing a pension can be a complicated process, but with mediation, everything becomes more transparent.
Mediation can provide the couple with many options, such as offsetting or outright sharing the pension.

HOME OWNERSHIP

In most cases, the family home is the most significant asset, and the distribution of the property can be complex.
Mediation can offer several solutions, such as one party buying the other out, selling the home and dividing the proceeds, or co-owning the property and continuing to live in it.

Child Arrangements Order Darlington

Arrangements for School Holidays

When parents have different work schedules or live far apart, agreeing on arrangements for school holidays can be complex.

A Child Arrangements Order can be tailored to specific needs, ensuring that the child’s care and educational needs are taken care of realistically.

The court will consider factors such as the distance between the parents’ homes, the child’s age, and any previous agreements or orders between the parents.

The order can also include any necessary provisions, such as the exchange of documents, pick-up locations, and transportation arrangements for the child.

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 significant milestones in a child’s life, and both parents should have the opportunity to be a part of them.

When creating a Child Arrangements Order, it’s essential to decide how the child’s birthday will be celebrated.

You could either have a specific arrangement for the birthday or allocate specific times on the day for each parent.

Spousal Maintenance Darlington

Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony or spousal support, is another important issue in divorce or separation. In a spousal maintenance mediation session, parties can discuss and negotiate the amount and duration of the support payments. Here are some tips for a successful spousal maintenance mediation:

  1. Know the law: understand the legal framework and guidelines for spousal maintenance in your jurisdiction
  2. Be reasonable: consider factors such as the parties’ income and expenses, the length of the marriage, and the ability to support oneself
  3. Be flexible: the amount and duration of spousal maintenance can be negotiated and adjusted based on changing circumstances such as job loss or illness
  4. Be respectful: avoid taking a punitive or adversarial approach, and focus on finding a mutually acceptable solution
  5. Be prepared: have all necessary documentation and information ready, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and budget estimates

Why Choose lakes Mediation Darlington Over Court?

children

Why Mediation Is Needed

The purpose of family mediation is to provide a neutral, confidential, and safe environment for parties to discuss their issues.

Mediation helps the parties communicate and to better understand each other’s perspectives. Thus, the conflict can be resolved by finding an acceptable solution for everyone involved.

The mediator keeps the discussion constructive and facilitates open communication. Parties are free to express their needs and desires without fear of retaliation or reprisal.

With mediation, parties have more control over the outcome of their case while avoiding the limitations set forth by the court system.
mediation

Is It Legally Binding?

One common question about family mediation is whether the agreement that is reached is legally binding.

In most cases, the answer is yes. Once an agreement has been reached, it can be made into a legally binding agreement by having it approved by a court.

This will make the agreement enforceable, which means that if one party does not follow through on their side of the agreement, legal action can be taken.

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

Family disputes can be overwhelming, emotionally draining and costly if not handled well. It’s essential to find a peaceful and satisfactory solution for everyone involved to move forward, and that’s where family mediation comes to play. At Lakes Mediation, we understand family conflicts can arise for various reasons, such as divorce, separation, or inheritance issues. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of family mediation and how it can help resolve disputes in a collaborative and respectful way.

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

Often, before beginning a mediation process, all parties must attend a MIAM. A MIAM is an initial meeting where the mediator assesses whether mediation is appropriate for the conflict at hand. This assessment includes whether the parties are prepared for mediation, whether any safety procedures need to be followed, and any other necessary factors.

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