Family and workplace Mediation in Lancashire and legal aid

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For residents of Lancashire facing separation, divorce, or complex family disputes, Amity Family Mediation provides a confidential, structured, and constructive way to reach agreements without the expense and stress of court proceedings. It is the preferred path for resolving matters concerning children and financial arrangements across the county.

The Mandate: The Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)

In England and Wales, before a person can apply to the Family Court for certain orders (such as those relating to child arrangements or financial settlements), they must first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

Purpose:  The MIAM is an initial, individual, and confidential session with an accredited Family Mediator. Its primary aim is to:

• Explain the mediation process and its benefits.
• Assess whether mediation is suitable for the specific family dispute.
• Check for issues like domestic abuse or child protection concerns, which would make mediation unsuitable (known as exemptions).
• Court Requirement: If mediation is deemed unsuitable, or if one party refuses to engage, the mediator provides a signed court form (FM1 or C100)  that allows the applicant to proceed with a court application.

Key Areas of Family Mediation

Amity Family mediation in Lancashire aims to help separating parties make forward-looking decisions together, guided by an impartial, accredited professional.

Area of Dispute - Child Arrangements

Establishing where children will live, when they spend time with each parent, and communication between parents (co-parenting) and arrangements for Christmas and Birthdays.

Outcome Document -  Parenting Plan / Child Arrangements Plan

Financial Matters

Fair division of matrimonial assets, property, pensions,  savings, debt, and the setting of spousal and child maintenance.

Outcome Document - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Open Financial  Statement

Communication

Creating new, effective communication strategies to reduce conflict, especially important for long-term co-parenting.

Outcome Document -  Incorporated into the Parenting Plan and MOU

Funding and Costs in Lancashire

Mediation is consistently more affordable than taking a case to court. Several options exist to help cover the costs for Lancashire residents:

1. Legal Aid

Legal Aid is available to cover the costs of Family Mediation for those with limited income and capital.

• Eligibility:  You will automatically qualify if you receive certain income-based benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Income Support) and have low savings typically under £8,000.
• Benefit to the Other Party: If one party qualifies for Legal Aid, the government will cover the cost of the MIAM and the first joint mediation session for both parties, regardless of the other party's financial situation. This significantly reduces the initial financial burden for all involved.
• Action: You must use a Family Mediation Council (FMC) accredited mediator who has a contract with the Legal Aid Agency to assess your eligibility.  Amity Mediation uses FMC accredited Mediators and has a contract with LAA.

2. Private Fees

For those not eligible for Legal Aid, private fees apply. Costs can vary between providers in areas like Preston, Blackburn, and Lancaster.

• MIAM Fee: Typically between £100 and £150 per person.
• Joint Sessions: Typically range from £130 to £200 per person per hour or per 1.5-hour session.
• Outcome Documents: Drafting the final documents (MOU, Parenting Plan) to be taken to a solicitor for a legally binding Consent Order is a separate, fixed cost.
• Cost Comparison: While the average cost of a UK divorce through the courts can run into many thousands of pounds, the full cost of Family Mediation is usually a fraction of this (often between £600 and £1,000 per person for a complete process).

Workplace Mediation in Lancashire (Brief Overview)

While the primary focus is family, it is worth noting that many firms in Lancashire including Amity Mediation also offer Workplace Mediation. This helps organisations and employees resolve disputes (e.g., between colleagues or with a manager) to prevent costly internal grievances and Employment Tribunal claims.

• Benefits: It offers a confidential and swift resolution, reducing sickness absence, improving morale, and saving the employer significant legal costs.
• Providers: Services are offered by Amity mediation across the county, with fees usually paid by the employer.

Areas Covered

Accrington Ashton-on-Ribble Barrow Bispham Blackpool Chapel House Lancaster Cleveleys Holme Chapel Lytham St Annes Skelmersdale Preston  Blackburn Burnley Bolton Clithroe Chorley

Amity Family Mediation Council (FMC) accredited mediators in Lancashire towns, such as Blackpool,  offering Legal Aid.

Lancashire is a large county in North West England, known for its strong industrial heritage, particularly in the textile industry, and its varied landscapes, which range from busy coastal resorts to the rugged hills of the Forest of Bowland. The largest city is Preston, which serves as the administrative centre and holds a strong identity as a historic market and industrial city. Other major centres include Blackpool, an internationally famous seaside resort renowned for its tower, illuminations, and Pleasure Beach; and the city of Lancaster, famous for its historic castle, cathedral, and university. The county also features large industrial towns such as Blackburn, Burnley, and Bolton (historically part of Lancashire), alongside picturesque market towns like Clitheroe and Chorley. Lancashire successfully balances its proud industrial legacy with a deep connection to its maritime past and extensive areas of natural beauty. 

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