Family Mediation North East
Family Mediation North East
CONTACT CENTRES
CONTACT CENTRES
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
MEDIATION LEGAL PACKAGE
At Pax Mediation, we are dedicated to helping families resolve disputes amicably through our professional mediation services. While mediation focuses on fostering collaboration and creating agreements, legal advice plays a crucial role in ensuring the agreements you reach are fair, practical, and legally sound.
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This page explores the relationship between mediation and legal advice, how they complement each other, and why both are important for achieving lasting resolutions.
WHY LEGAL ADVICE MATTERS IN MEDIATION
Mediation is a collaborative process, but it’s not a substitute for legal advice. During mediation, a neutral mediator facilitates discussions, helping families reach agreements on issues such as child arrangements, financial settlements, and co-parenting plans. However, mediators do not provide legal advice or represent any party.
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Obtaining legal advice ensures:
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Understanding Your Rights: A solicitor can explain your legal rights and responsibilities during separation or divorce.
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Fair Agreements: Legal advice ensures the agreements made in mediation are fair and reflect your best interests.
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Formalising Agreements: A solicitor can turn your mediation agreements into legally binding documents, such as Consent Orders.
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Learn more about how mediation works here.
HOW LEGAL ADVICE AND MEDIATION WORK TOGETHER
Mediation and legal advice are complementary processes, working hand-in-hand to support families. Here’s how:
1. Before Mediation
Consulting a solicitor before mediation can help you understand your legal position, empowering you to negotiate confidently during sessions.
2. During Mediation
While mediators remain neutral, you can seek legal advice between sessions to clarify any legal questions or concerns.
3. After Mediation
Once agreements are reached in mediation, a solicitor can formalise them into Consent Orders, ensuring they are legally enforceable.
COMMON LEGAL DOCUMENTS USED IN MEDIATION
Consent Orders. Consent Orders formalise agreements about financial settlements, ensuring they are legally binding and enforceable.
Child Arrangements Orders. These orders outline living arrangements, contact schedules, and other parenting decisions for children.
Separation Agreements. For unmarried couples or those not pursuing divorce, separation agreements document financial and property arrangements.
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Learn more about court orders here.
LEGAL AID FOR LEGAL ADVICE
If you’re eligible for Legal Aid, it can cover the costs of mediation and, in some cases, legal advice during the mediation process. Legal Aid is available for:
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Initial MIAMs.
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Joint mediation sessions.
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Assistance with formalising agreements.
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Contributions to the other parties costs even if they're not eligible.
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Check your eligibility for Legal Aid here.
TRUSTED LEGAL ADVICE RESOURCES
While Pax Mediation does not provide legal advice, we can guide you toward trusted legal professionals who specialise in family law. Here are some resources to consider:
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Resolution
Resolution is a national organisation of family law professionals who follow a code of practice promoting non-confrontational approaches to family disputes. Find a Resolution solicitor here.
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Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice offers free, impartial legal advice on family law matters, including child arrangements and financial settlements. Access Citizens Advice here.
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Support Through Court
Support Through Court helps individuals navigate the court process without legal advice or representation, providing guidance and emotional support. Learn more about Support Through Court here.
WHY CHOOSE PAX MEDIATION?
1. Experienced Mediators. All of our mediators are FMCA-accredited, ensuring the highest level of expertise in facilitating family mediation.
2. Neutral and Impartial. We provide a safe space for open discussions, helping families reach agreements that work for everyone.
3. Support for Legal Advice. We encourage clients to seek legal advice and provide guidance on accessing trusted legal professionals.
4. Comprehensive Mediation Services. From child arrangements to financial disputes, our mediation services address a wide range of family challenges.
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Learn more about child mediation services here.
"The mediator was so professional and helped us create a parenting plan we could both agree on. Working with a solicitor after mediation made the process seamless.”
"Mediation saved us so much time and money. Having legal advice alongside made us feel confident in our decisions.”
"An excellent service at the Regus office. Sarah was really good and easy to talk to and explained everything and listened expertly. Highly recommended."
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH MEDIATION
1. Contact Us
Call, email, or fill out our online referral form to book your MIAM.
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2. Attend Your MIAM​
During the MIAM, we’ll assess your case and explain how mediation works in your specific situation.
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3. Begin Mediation
Start mediation sessions tailored to your family’s needs, with the option to consult a solicitor as required.
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📞 Call us: 0800 058 4303
📧 Email us: admin@paxmediation.co.uk
FAQS ABOUT LEGAL ADVICE
1. Do I need a solicitor if I use mediation?
While not required, seeking legal advice ensures you understand your rights and can formalise agreements effectively.
2. Can I access Legal Aid for legal advice?
Legal Aid may cover legal advice during the mediation process if you’re eligible.
3. Are agreements made in mediation legally binding?
Mediation agreements are not legally binding but can be formalised by a solicitor into a Consent Order or other legal document.
Learn more about the mediation process here.
Take the First Step Towards Resolution
At Pax Mediation, we’re committed to helping families resolve disputes with professionalism and care. By combining mediation with legal advice, you can achieve fair, practical, and lasting solutions for your family’s future.
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Contact Us Today