Mediation in Derbyshire

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Separation and divorce are never easy, but for families in Derby and across Derbyshire, Family Mediation offers a constructive, cost-effective, and less stressful route to resolve disagreements. Instead of the stress of court battles in Derby or Chesterfield, mediation empowers you to make your own decisions about your family's future.

What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where an impartial, professionally trained mediator helps separating couples negotiate and agree on practical issues.

It's suitable for a range of family matters, including:

• Child Arrangements: Deciding where children will live and how much time they      will spend with each parent (often resulting in a Parenting Plan).
• Financial & Property Matters: Sorting out the division of assets, property,      pensions, and liabilities following a divorce or separation.
• Child Maintenance: Determining appropriate levels of financial support for      the children.
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Why Choose Mediation in Derbyshire?

Choosing a local, accredited mediation service offers distinct advantages over resorting to the Family Court system:

1. Child-Centred Focus: Mediators in Derbyshire are trained to help parents put their      children first, focusing on creating arrangements that genuinely work for      the child's wellbeing, rather than being driven by legal confrontation.
2. You Stay in Control: A Judge at the Derby or Chesterfield Family Court will make the final decision. In mediation, you and your ex-partner      maintain control over the outcome, leading to more sustainable and      mutually respected agreements.
3. Significant  Cost & Time Savings: Mediation typically concludes in a few weeks      or months and costs substantially less than the fees associated with      contested court proceedings and lengthy solicitor involvement.
4. Flexible Local & Online Access: Many Derbyshire services offer in-person      appointments across locations like Derby, Chesterfield, and Alfreton,  alongside the convenience of secure online (Zoom) mediation sessions, which can save time and travel across the county.

Essential First Step: The MIAM

Before you can apply to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order or a Financial Order, the law requires you to consider mediation first by attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

This is an individual meeting with a mediator to:

• Explain the mediation process and assess its suitability for your specific situation.
• Check your eligibility for Legal Aid (free mediation).
• Assess whether any exceptions (such as proven domestic abuse) apply, which may exempt you from attending mediation.

If mediation is not suitable or the other party refuses to attend, the mediator will sign the necessary court form (C100 or Form A) to allow your court application to proceed.

Making Mediation Affordable: Legal Aid and the £500 Voucher

Cost should not prevent you from finding a positive resolution. Families in Derbyshire have access to two key financial support schemes:

1. Legal Aid for Family Mediation

Legal Aid is available to cover the entire cost of mediation if you are on a low income or receive certain qualifying benefits.

• For the Eligible Person: The MIAM and all joint mediation sessions are FREE.:   Even if your ex-partner is not eligible for Legal Aid, they will still receive their MIAM and the first joint mediation session for FREE if you qualify.
• How to Apply: You must use an accredited Derbyshire mediator who holds a contract with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). They will conduct a financial assessment to check your eligibility.

2. The Government's £500 Mediation Voucher Scheme

This is a government initiative to help families resolve disputes relating to children outside of court.

• Value:  Provides a one-off contribution of up to £500 towards your joint mediation sessions.
• Eligibility:  The case must concern a dispute about child arrangements, or a financial dispute where there are also child-related issues. This scheme is not means-tested.
• Note: The voucher cannot be used to pay for the initial MIAM but is applied by      the mediator to the subsequent joint sessions.

It is possible to qualify for both Legal Aid (which covers the full cost) and the £500 voucher (which provides a non-means tested contribution).

To find an accredited mediator in Derbyshire who can offer Legal Aid and the £500 voucher, you should search the database provided by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) and ask direct questions about their LAA and voucher scheme registration when you call.

Areas covered 

Alfreton Chesterfield Alton Ashbourne Derby Long Eaton Belper Glossop Staveley Buxton Heanor Ilkeston Matlock Ripley Mickleover Peak Dale Peak Forest  Swadlincote    

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