Family Mediation Macclesfield

We Mediate provides family mediation and MIAMs to separating and divorcing couples in Macclesfield and across Cheshire. As a Macclesfield-based, FMC-accredited practice, we help local people resolve arrangements for children, finances and property calmly and affordably, without the cost and stress of court.

To speak to a mediator about family mediation in Macclesfield, call 0333 567 1676, email mediators@wemediate.co.uk, or send a confidential message.

Family Mediation for Macclesfield Families

Separation and divorce are hard enough without the added strain of a court battle. Thankfully, there is another way. More and more people in Macclesfield are choosing family mediation, which is quicker, cheaper and far less stressful than fighting things out in court. Solicitors across Cheshire routinely advise clients to speak to a mediator, and the courts themselves now expect couples to consider mediation before litigating.

Family mediation is a voluntary process in which separating or divorcing couples meet an impartial mediator to work through the issues surrounding their breakup and reach a considered agreement. Those issues usually involve finances, property and arrangements for children. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for you; their role is to help you both reach an agreement that works for your family.

How Mediation Works, and Why Being Online Helps in Macclesfield

Every mediation begins with a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting), a private, individual meeting with a family mediator. After both parties have attended their MIAM, and if everyone agrees mediation is suitable, the joint sessions can be arranged.

All of our MIAMs and mediation sessions are conducted online. For Macclesfield families, this brings real practical advantages. There is no need to travel across town or into Manchester, no parking to find, and no time off work beyond the session itself. You can take part from the comfort of your own home, and sessions are arranged at times that suit you. It also means we can help where one person still lives locally and the other has moved away, elsewhere in the country or even abroad.

The April 2024 Rule Changes

Since the Family Procedure Rules changed on 29 April 2024, the courts in England and Wales place a much stronger emphasis on resolving disputes away from court. Mediators must now explain all forms of non-court dispute resolution, and a party who unreasonably refuses to attend a MIAM or engage in these options may face costs consequences. Judges can also pause proceedings to allow mediation to be explored. In practice, this makes attending a MIAM an important first step for any Macclesfield family considering a court application.

What About the Local Court?

If your matter does need to go to court, family cases for the Macclesfield area are generally dealt with at Crewe or Stockport County and Family Court, with Manchester Civil Justice Centre serving as the regional hub. The good news is that your MIAM certificate is accepted wherever your application is heard, so you can complete your MIAM with us online and use the certificate for your local court. For many families, though, a successful mediation means court is never needed at all.

Our Fees

We keep our fees clear and fixed, with no hidden charges:

• MIAM: £130 on weekdays, £150 on Saturday mornings.
• Mediation sessions: £130 per person, per hour. Sessions usually run for one and a half hours.

We accept credit and debit card payments. You can see full details on our fees page.

What Mediation Can Help You Resolve

• Child arrangements: where the children live, how time is shared, holidays and decision-making.
• Finances and property: the family home, savings, pensions, debts and how everything is fairly divided.
• Divorce and separation: reaching a clear, workable agreement as you separate.
• Ongoing communication: building a co-parenting relationship that works for the future.

Learn more about how the mediation process works or online family mediation.

Why Choose We Mediate in Macclesfield

• Local and accredited. A Macclesfield-based practice, with mediators accredited by the Family Mediation Council.
• Online and convenient. No travel, minimal disruption, appointments to suit you.
• Clear, fair fees. Fixed pricing with the £500 voucher available for eligible cases.
• Child-focused. The well-being of children kept at the centre throughout.

Get Started Today

If you would like to find out more about family mediation in Macclesfield, or book your MIAM, call 0333 567 1676, email mediators@wemediate.co.uk, or book your MIAM online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer family mediation in person in Macclesfield?

We conduct all our MIAMs and mediation sessions online, which most Macclesfield clients find more convenient, as there is no travel or time off work beyond the session itself. You take part from home, at times that suit you.

Which court deals with family cases in Macclesfield?

Family matters for the Macclesfield area are generally dealt with at Crewe or Stockport County and Family Court, with Manchester Civil Justice Centre as the regional hub. Your MIAM certificate is accepted wherever your application is heard.

How much does family mediation cost in Macclesfield?

A MIAM is £130 on weekdays and £150 on Saturday mornings. Mediation sessions are £130 per person, per hour, with a typical one-and-a-half-hour session costing £195 per person. A £500 government voucher is available for eligible cases involving children.

Do I need a MIAM before going to court?

In most cases, yes. If you are applying for a Child Arrangements Order or a Financial Order, you must attend a MIAM first unless a valid exemption applies. If mediation does not go ahead, the mediator can issue the certificate you need for your application.

Can mediation cover both children and finances?

Yes. Mediation can address arrangements for children, financial and property matters, or all of these together, with your mediator helping you work through each issue.

This page is general information about family mediation in England and Wales and is not legal advice.