Mediation Services Cheshire

Resolving Disputes in Cheshire, Crewe and Chester

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.

What is Family Mediation?

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.

Key Issues Resolved in Mediation:

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.

The Mediation Process in Cheshire

Our family mediation services in Cheshire follow a structured process to guide you towards a resolution:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Flexible Meeting Options

Access our services via secure online video calls  (Zoom/Teams), offering flexibility across all of Bedfordshire, or through face-to-face  meetings in key central locations.

Avoid Court Conflict

Mediation is faster, cheaper, and far less stressful than lengthy legal battles, giving you control over the final outcome.

Confidentiality Assured

All discussions are kept strictly confidential, creating a safe and honest environment for negotiation.

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.