Mediation in Buckinghamshire

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 Family Mediation provides a structured, impartial, and confidential way for separating couples in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes to resolve disputes about children, property, and finance without going to court. Given the high costs and stress associated with litigation, mediation is strongly encouraged by the courts, offering a tailored solution that keeps decision-making power in your hands.

In most family law disputes concerning children or finances, you are legally required to consider mediation before applying to the Family Court in cities like Milton Keynes or towns like Aylesbury or High Wycombe. This initial consideration takes place at a:

• Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM): This is a mandatory, individual meeting with a qualified, accredited Family Mediator.
  • Purpose: The mediator explains the process, assesses the suitability of your case for mediation (screening for domestic abuse or other vulnerabilities), and confirms if you qualify for Legal Aid or the Government's £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.
  • Outcome: If mediation is suitable and both parties agree, the process continues. If it is unsuitable or the other party refuses to engage, the mediator signs the necessary court form (C100, FM1 or for financial cases the Form A) allowing you to proceed with a court application.

Family mediation in the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes area is typically offered by private firms and charitable organizations, many of whom are registered with the Family Mediation Council (FMC) and the Legal Aid Agency.

Area of Dispute

Child Arrangements Mediation Helps parents create a Parenting Plan covering where children live, when they spend time with each parent, holidays, and communication. The mediator focuses on the child's best interests.

Finance & Property Separation Mediation, Facilitates the full disclosure of all financial assets, debts, and income to reach a fair and workable agreement on the division of property, pensions, savings, and spousal/child maintenance.

Child-Inclusive Mediation (CIM), is a specialist service where a trained mediator meets confidentially with the children (usually aged 10+) to ensure their voice and views are heard by the parents during the process.

Online and Shuttle Mediation is available to reduce travel time across Buckinghamshire and ensure safety. Online Mediation (via Zoom or video call) is common, and Shuttle Mediation keeps the parties in separate rooms (or calls) with the mediator moving between them.

A significant benefit of using an accredited mediator in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes is the availability of financial support:

• Legal Aid: If you have a low income or are on certain benefits, your entire mediation process, including the MIAM and all sessions, may be free if you qualify for Legal Aid. If one party qualifies for Legal Aid, the other party receives the MIAM and the first full mediation session for free.
• Government Voucher Scheme: A time-limited scheme currently offers a non-repayable £500 voucher towards the costs of mediation for cases concerning arrangements for children. Your mediator will check if your case is eligible and apply for the voucher on your behalf.

Mediation is consistently far more cost-effective than litigation, with the total cost often being a small fraction of what legal fees for court proceedings would amount to.

Amity Mediation Services have several accredited mediators who offers Legal Aid in a specific locations like Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, or High Wycombe.

For more information on where and when these services will be available in Buckinghamshire, including hubs in Buckingham, and Aylesbury, and other locations such as Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bletchley, and Leighton Buzzard. get in touch with us here.

Areas covered :  

Amersham Aylesbury Beaconsfield Bletchley Buckingham Central Milton Keynes Chesham Gerrards Cross Princes Risborough Great Missenden High Wycombe Iver Olney Marlow Milton Keynes Milton Keynes Village Stony Stratford Winslow Woburn Sands Wooburn Green    

We are proud to offer services in Buckinghamshire and the South East of England celebrated for its scenic countryside, particularly the rolling Chiltern Hills, and its convenient proximity to London, making it a highly desirable commuter location. The county town is Aylesbury, a traditional market town with a rich history. However, the largest urban centre by far is the thriving modern city of Milton Keynes, known for its unique grid road system, excellent infrastructure, and dynamic business community. Other significant towns include High Wycombe, a major commercial hub nestled in a chalk valley; Amersham, a town split between its historic core and modern expansion; and Chesham, the highest market town in Buckinghamshire. The county balances these urban areas with a wealth of picturesque villages and the historic grandeur of estates like Cliveden and Waddesdon Manor. 

Or to find out more about out mediation services, click below.