Mediation in and around Kent

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 Separating or divorcing in a county as vibrant and diverse as Kent, with its hubs in Maidstone, Canterbury, Medway, and Tunbridge Wells, presents unique challenges. Family Mediation offers Kent families a practical, less adversarial, and more flexible alternative to the Family Court, allowing you to create stable arrangements for your children and finances.

The Power of Mediation

Family Mediation is a voluntary and confidential negotiation process guided by an impartial, professionally accredited mediator. It focuses on facilitating a clear dialogue between you and your ex-partner to resolve disputes related to your separation.

Key areas of focus for Kent families include:

• Child Arrangements: Creating a workable and detailed Parenting Plan that covers where your children live, when they spend time with each parent, holidays, and communication.
• Financial & Property Resolution: Negotiating the fair division of assets, property, pensions, and debts following a divorce or the breakdown of a cohabiting relationship.
• Child Maintenance: Determining appropriate and sustainable financial support.

The Kent Advantage: Why Choose Mediation Over Court

For families across the 'Garden of England,' choosing mediation often leads to better, faster, and less painful outcomes than litigation at the local Family Court.

1. Reduced Stress and Conflict: Unlike the formal, confrontational nature of a court in places like Maidstone or Canterbury, mediation provides a safe,  private space. This preserves co-parenting relationships, which is crucial for children's long-term wellbeing.
2. Faster Resolution: Court proceedings in Kent can often drag on for many months. Mediation typically requires just a few joint sessions and can reach a final agreement in a matter of weeks, enabling you to move forward sooner.
3. Local and Flexible Access: Many Kent-based mediation services offer a blend      of in-person appointments in convenient locations and secure online (video) sessions, giving you the flexibility to attend from anywhere      without travel or childcare pressures.
4. Empowering Decision-Making: You and your ex-partner—the people who know your family best—retain control. Your mediator will guide you towards a solution that is tailored to your unique circumstances, not a generic order imposed by a judge.

Your Essential First Step: The MIAM

If you intend to make an application to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order or a Financial Order, you are legally required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) first, unless an exemption applies.

A MIAM is a private meeting with an accredited mediator to:

• Explain      all your non-court options for resolving your dispute.
• Assess      the suitability of mediation for your case.
• Check      your eligibility for Legal Aid.

If mediation is not deemed appropriate, your mediator will sign the necessary court form (such as the C100 or Form A), confirming that you have complied with the legal requirement.

Financial Support for Mediation in Kent

Family mediation in Kent is significantly more affordable than litigation, and various forms of financial support are available to reduce the cost further:

1. Legal Aid for Family Mediation

If you are on a low income or receive specific benefits, you may be eligible for Legal Aid, meaning your mediation process will be FREE of charge if you use an accredited mediator with a Legal Aid contract.

• Benefit to Both Parties: If one person qualifies for Legal Aid, the other party will receive their MIAM and the first joint mediation session for free.
• Action  Required: You must contact a Family Mediation Council (FMC) registered mediator in Kent who is contracted with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) for a  full financial assessment.

2. The Government's £500 Mediation Voucher Scheme

This scheme offers a financial contribution of up to £500per family towards the cost of joint mediation sessions.

• Focus:  It is designed to help families resolve disputes relating to child arrangements or where there is a combination of child and financial      issues.
• Key  Advantage: The voucher is not means-tested, meaning most families dealing with these issues are eligible, regardless of their income.
• How to Use: Your chosen FMC-accredited mediator will check your eligibility and apply for the voucher on your behalf to reduce your overall fee.

To begin your confidential discussion and learn how to secure financial support, contact an accredited family mediator serving the Kent area today.

Areas Covered 

Ashford Dartford Deal Dover East Malling Eccles Folkestone Gravesend Herne Bay Hythe Maidstone Rainham Ramsgate Rochester Romford Royal Tunbridge Wells Sandwich Sevenoaks West Malling Whitstable Canterbury Broadstairs Sittingbourne Appledore Margate Chatham Faversham                                                                                                                                                        

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