Mediation in Devon family mediation legal aid & mediation

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Separation and divorce are never easy, especially in a beautiful and close-knit area like Devon. Whether you live in the city of Exeter or Plymouth, or in a market town like Barnstaple, Torquay, or Tiverton, finding a constructive, supported way to resolve your family issues is vital for the wellbeing of your family.

Family Mediation provides a confidential and cooperative environment for separating couples to make their own informed decisions about their future, guided by an impartial, professional mediator.

Why Choose Family Mediation in Devon?

Choosing mediation helps you avoid the high financial and emotional cost of going to the Family Court, which often means long waiting times and decisions being made by a judge who doesn't know your family.

In mediation, you and your former partner will work together to agree on the key issues arising from your breakdown, including:

• Arrangements for Children: Creating clear, child-focused Parenting Plans that detail where the children will live, contact schedules, holidays, and how to co-parent effectively.
• Financial & Property Settlement: Negotiating the fair division of joint assets, which can include the family home, savings, pensions, and debts.
• Maintenance: Determining appropriate financial support for children and, where applicable, spousal maintenance.
• Communication: Establishing a sustainable and respectful way to communicate in the      future, which is crucial for long-term co-parenting.

Mediation in Devon is a flexible process, often available online, making it highly accessible across the county, from North Devon to the South Hams.

Your Required First Step: The MIAM

Before you can make an application to the Family Court (for nearly all child arrangement or financial orders) in Devon, you are legally required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), unless you qualify for one of the specific exemptions (such as for domestic abuse or urgency).

The MIAM is a confidential, individual meeting with an accredited mediator, where they will:

1. Explain Your Options: Detail all non-court dispute resolution options  available to you, including mediation, collaboration, and arbitration.
2. Assess Suitability: Determine whether mediation is suitable for your unique      circumstances.
3. Check for Funding: Assess your financial eligibility for Legal Aid  and the Government's Voucher Scheme.

If mediation is not suitable or the other party refuses to engage, the mediator will sign the necessary court form (such as the C100 or Form A), allowing you to proceed with your application to the court.

Significant Financial Help Available

We believe family resolution should be affordable. Families in Devon can access significant financial support to reduce the cost of mediation:

1. Legal Aid Funding

If you have a low income or receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for Legal Aid, which would cover the full cost of your family mediation, including the initial MIAM and all joint sessions.

• Crucial Benefit: If one party in the couple qualifies for Legal Aid, the other party receives the MIAM and the first joint mediation session for free, regardless of their own income.

2. The Government's £500 Mediation Voucher Scheme

The government offers a time-limited scheme providing a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of your joint mediation sessions.

• Eligibility:     This is available to most families resolving disputes about child arrangements or a combination of child and financial issues.
• How it Works: The mediator will check your eligibility at your MIAM and apply for the funding on your behalf, with the payment being made directly  to the mediator.

To find out more about the process, check your eligibility for funding, or schedule your MIAM, please contact us today.

Areas Covered

Axminster Axmouth Barnstaple Brixham Ivybridge Dartmouth Bideford Dawlish Exeter Exmouth Newton Abbot Ilfracombe Lynmouth Okehampton Teignmouth Plymouth Tiverton Salcombe Sidmouth Torquay Woolacombe    

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