family and workplace MEDIATION IN Shropshire and LEGAL AID

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Mediation provides a confidential, constructive, and voluntary alternative to court for resolving disputes in Shropshire, encompassing both family and civil matters. It uses a neutral third party, the mediator, to help those in conflict communicate effectively and reach their own mutually acceptable agreements.

Family mediation is primarily used by separating or divorcing couples, as well as other family members (like grandparents), to resolve issues arising from relationship breakdown.

Family mediation services in Shropshire commonly assist with:

• Arrangements for Children: This includes where children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent (contact arrangements), schooling, holidays, and other significant child-related decisions.
  
• Financial Matters: Resolving the division of joint assets, property, pensions, savings, debts, and addressing spousal and child maintenance.
  
• Parenting Plans and Separation Agreements for unmarried couples.
  
• Child-Inclusive Mediation (CIM): Where appropriate and agreed by all, a specially trained mediator meets with the children to ensure their views are heard and considered.

1. Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM): This is the mandatory first step before applying to court for most child or financial orders. It's an individual, confidential meeting with a mediator to discuss the situation, assess whether mediation is suitable and safe, and explore other options.
   
2. Joint Sessions: If suitable, both parties attend joint sessions with the mediator to negotiate and explore options to resolve their differences. The mediator facilitates communication and helps the parties generate solutions, but does not give legal advice or make decisions.
   
3. Documentation: Once an agreement is reached, the mediator prepares a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and, for financial matters, an Open Financial Statement (OFS). These documents are taken to solicitors for independent legal advice and drafting into a legally binding Consent Order for court submission, if desired.
   

• You Remain in Control: Unlike court proceedings, where a judge imposes a decision, you and the other party make the final decisions.
  
• Cost and Time Efficient: Mediation is typically quicker and significantly less expensive than a lengthy court battle.
  
• Reduced Conflict: It provides a less confrontational environment, which is often less stressful for parents and significantly better for the children involved.

• Funding Available: Legal Aid may be available for eligible individuals, covering the cost of the MIAM and mediation sessions. Additionally, a Government Mediation Voucher Scheme (up to £500) is often available for family cases involving child arrangements.
  

Civil mediation is used to resolve a wide range of disputes that do not involve family breakdown. Mediators in Shropshire who handle civil and commercial cases are typically registered with the Civil Mediation Council (CMC).

Civil mediation covers a broad spectrum of disputes, including:

• Contractual and Commercial Disputes: Business-to-business conflicts, supplier disagreements, and breach of contract cases.
• Property and Boundary Disputes: Issues with neighbours, land ownership, rights of way, or property damage.
• Inheritance and Probate Disputes: Conflicts over wills or the administration of an estate.
• Workplace Disputes: Conflicts between employees, management, or teams.
• Consumer Disputes: Issues between a service provider and a service user.

• Commercial Focus: Allows parties to maintain or repair commercial relationships, unlike adversarial court proceedings.
• Flexible and Tailored Solutions: Enables solutions that a court may not have the power to order (e.g., apologies, future business terms).
• Confidentiality: The process and all discussions are confidential, preventing public disclosure of sensitive information.
  

Area covered

Newport Market Drayton Bridgnorth Telford Owsestry Ludlow Newcastle  Shrewsbury  

Amity Mediation Shropshire

Shropshire, a largely rural county in the West Midlands, is characterised by a diverse blend of medieval history and industrial heritage, with the River Severn winding through its landscape. While Telford holds the title of the largest town and a key modern hub, the county's heart remains in the historic county town of Shrewsbury, famed for its loop in the River Severn, well-preserved Tudor streets, and being the birthplace of Charles Darwin. Other notable towns include the border market town of Oswestry; the food-lovers' destination, Ludlow, with its magnificent castle; and the dramatic, two-level town of Bridgnorth. The county also contains the Ironbridge Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which incorporates the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, adding a distinct historical layer to its collection of vibrant, traditional market settlements like Much Wenlock and Market Drayton. 

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