Family Law Mediation in Cheshire offers separating or divorcing couples a confidential, cost-effective, and less confrontational method for resolving disputes over children, finances, and property. It provides a structured alternative to the lengthy and stressful process of going to court.

Family mediation is a voluntary process where an independent, neutral mediator (a trained professional) assists a separating couple in reaching their own agreements. The mediator is not a judge or a solicitor; they do not give legal advice or take sides, but they do provide legal and practical information to help both parties make informed decisions.

• Arrangements for Children: Creating a detailed Parenting Plan that outlines where children live, when they spend time with each parent (contact), and how key decisions (like education or health) will be made.
• Financial Settlements: Discussing the division of assets (e.g., the family home, savings, pensions) and liabilities (debts), as well as ongoing spousal or child maintenance.
• Divorce or Civil Partnership Dissolution: Helping couples reach an agreement on the practical next steps for legally ending their relationship.
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Most family mediation services in Cheshire follow a structured process to guide you towards a resolution:

1. Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM): This is the mandatory first step before applying to court for most private family law applications concerning children or finances (unless an exemption applies). It's a private meeting with a mediator (usually lasting about 60 minutes) to assess whether mediation is suitable and safe for your situation.
2. Joint Mediation Sessions: If mediation is suitable, a series of joint sessions (often 90 minutes each) are arranged. The mediator facilitates a constructive discussion, helping you both exchange information, explore options, and negotiate terms.
   
   • Online Mediation: Many Cheshire-based services offer online mediation (via Zoom/Teams) for convenience and flexibility.
   • Shuttle Mediation: If being in the same room is too difficult, the mediator can see you in separate rooms, passing messages between you.
   • Child-Inclusive Mediation (CIM): The mediator may meet with the children (if appropriate and agreed by both parents) to convey their wishes and feelings to the parents.

1. Formalising the Agreement: Once an agreement is reached, the mediator prepares documents outlining your proposals:
   
   • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Summarises the final agreement reached.
   • Open Financial Statement (OFS) / Summary of Financial Information: A document detailing the financial disclosure.
     These documents are not legally binding on their own. Both parties must take them to independent solicitors to obtain legal advice and draft a Consent Order, which is then submitted to the Family Court for approval to make the agreement legally enforceable.
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Control  You and your ex-partner make the decisions about your future, rather than having a judge impose an outcome.

Cost-Effective  Mediation is significantly cheaper and faster than contested court proceedings, where legal fees can quickly escalate.

Speed  Agreements can often be reached in 2 to 5 sessions, resolving issues much quicker than a court case that can take over a year.

Better for Children  Reducing conflict helps to preserve a working parental relationship, which is crucial for the well-being of your children.

Confidentiality  Discussions are generally confidential, meaning sensitive personal and financial information remains private. 

Area We cover

Chester Congleton Crewe Ellesmere Port Hale Holmes Chapel 

Macclesfield Middlewich Middlewood Nantwich Northwich Runcorn Prestbury Preston Brook Winsford Warrington Sandbach Whitby Widnes Wilmslow    

Postcodes covered :  

CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 CW1 CW10 CW11 CW12 CW2 CW3 CW4  CW5 CW6 CW7 CW8 CW9 L64 L65 L66 SK10 SK11 SK12 SK9 ST7 SY13 SY14 WA1 WA13 WA14 WA15 WA16 WA2 WA3 WA4 WA5 WA6 WA7 WA8.