Mediation Services Derbyshire

Family Mediation in Derbyshire: Finding a Positive Way Forward

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.

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.

Why Choose Amity Mediation in Derbyshire?

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

Flexible Local & Online Access: We offer 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.

Child-Centred Focus:  Amity Mediators n 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.

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.

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.

Choose Local Expertise and Flexible Services personally tailored to your situation.

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: Amity Mediation  Derbyshire holds a contract with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). We will conduct a financial assessment to check your eligibility.

The Government’s £500 Mediation Voucher Scheme

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

Note: The voucher cannot be used to pay for the initial MIAM but is applied by the mediator to the subsequent joint sessions.

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.

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).

Amity Mediation Services in Derbyshire who can offer Legal Aid and the £500 voucher.