Family mediation in Stockport
If you are dealing with separation in Stockport — children, finances, or both — this page gives you a fast, clear way forward. You can book a MIAM, check whether Legal Aid may cover your costs, see whether the Government’s £500 mediation voucher could apply, and understand what paperwork you may need next.
Lower cost, more control — what options are available to you
For contested court proceedings, and where there is hostility between you, mediation can still offer a lower-cost and more manageable route forward. Court proceedings can cost thousands in solicitor fees and take months to resolve. Mediation is often faster, and where direct contact is difficult, separate sessions can keep the process structured and safe.
£500 Voucher
Where children arrangements are involved, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may contribute up to £500 towards mediation sessions. We can check this at the start.
Legal Aid
If you are on a low income or receiving qualifying benefits, Legal Aid may cover mediation costs in full. We can check eligibility quickly before you commit.
Separate Sessions
You do not need to be in the same session as your ex. Where direct contact is not appropriate, separate sessions can keep the process safe and manageable.
Three clear steps
MIAM
A MIAM is your first step. It is a private appointment to understand your situation, explain the process, and assess whether mediation is suitable.
Mediation
If mediation is suitable, sessions are arranged online and managed by an accredited family mediator. Separate sessions are available where needed.
Next step
If you reach agreement, it is recorded clearly. If mediation does not resolve matters, you still move forward with the correct paperwork and a clear route onward.
What happens at the end of mediation
If you reach agreement
Your mediator records the outcome in a Memorandum of Understanding. This is not legally binding on its own, but a family solicitor can use it to apply for a consent order if needed.
If mediation does not resolve matters
If mediation concludes without agreement, or is assessed as unsuitable at MIAM stage, we make sure you leave with the correct signed documentation and a clear route into the next step.
Just need the MIAM certificate and nothing more? If your immediate goal is to complete the MIAM requirement so you can proceed to court, we can do that with clear, upfront pricing and no pressure to go further than you need.
Local family court
If you need to go to court, this is the main local court linked to this page. That may include a C100 application for child arrangements or a Form A if you need the court to deal with finances after divorce. In some cases your matter may be moved to a different court, but this is the usual local starting point.
Court listings, contact details and hearing arrangements can change. Always check the official court page before travelling or relying on local court details.
Local family solicitors
If you need legal advice alongside mediation, the firms below practice Family Law and accept legal aid.
Inclusion is not an endorsement. We can also check your legal aid eligibility before you approach a solicitor.
Start your case with UK Family Mediation
We can explain the next practical step, check legal aid where relevant, and help you move forward calmly.
Common questions
Is this the right page if my paperwork refers to Stockport County Court and Family Court?
Yes. Use this page if your paperwork or search points to Stockport County Court and Family Court. If it points instead to Stockport Magistrates' Court, use that separate page so you are following the right local court route.
What if I actually need Stockport Magistrates' Court instead?
Use the separate Stockport Magistrates' Court page. The mediation service itself can still be online, but keeping the local court reference aligned to the right building makes the MIAM and court-paperwork guidance clearer.