Family mediation service

Family mediation is a confidential and voluntary process where a neutral, professionally trained mediator helps separating couples or family members have constructive conversations about disputes such as parenting arrangements, financial responsibilities, and property division.

Rather than going through a stressful court battle, participants work together to reach mutually acceptable agreements that suit their unique family situation. The mediator doesn’t take sides or impose decisions but supports open dialogue, clarifies misunderstandings, and guides both parties toward practical solutions.

Offers a range of advantages compared to traditional legal proceedings. It gives people more control over decisions affecting their lives and avoids the win-lose dynamic often seen in court. Sessions are private, less formal, and designed to reduce hostility, which is especially important when children are involved.

Mediation tends to be faster and more affordable, helping families save both time and money. It also fosters cooperation, improves communication, and allows space for emotions to be acknowledged while staying focused on practical outcomes.

It is vital that the family mediator you are engaging is fully qualified and registered. All accredited family mediators in England and Wales are listed on the website of the Family Mediation Council (FMC).

There are two types of family mediator: trainee and accredited. This is very clearly stated on the profile of every mediator on the register. All accredited mediators have completed substantial training to a high level and have also compiled a professional portfolio, which takes approximately one to two years to finish.

Every year, family mediators have to complete a specified number of hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to satisfy the Family Mediation Council. The mediator also has to undertake a certain number of hours of family mediation each year.

All accredited family mediators have to have professional indemnity insurance and in addition to this, every mediator has to be a member of a professional organisation, such as The College of Mediators, The Family Mediation Association or Resolution.

Yes, mediation is often an effective way to manage the divorce process with less stress and confrontation. It allows couples to work through key issues—such as child custody, visitation, the family home, and financial matters—in a structured environment with professional guidance.

By keeping the dialogue respectful and solution-focused, mediation can reduce emotional strain and help both individuals reach fair agreements that reflect their priorities. Although mediators can provide legal information, they remain impartial and do not give legal advice, so it’s still important to have independent solicitors review any final arrangements if needed.

The process starts with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), where each person meets privately with a mediator to assess whether mediation is appropriate. If both parties agree to proceed, joint sessions are arranged to explore the issues at hand. The mediator facilitates the conversation, helping participants identify concerns, clarify goals, and negotiate fair outcomes.

These sessions are designed to be safe and balanced, allowing everyone the chance to speak and be heard. If agreements are reached, they are summarised in writing and can be reviewed by a solicitor to become legally binding if desired.

The length of mediation varies based on how many issues need to be resolved and how willing both parties are to cooperate. Simple cases may be settled in just two or three sessions, while more complex or high-conflict situations could require five or more. Typically, sessions last about 60 to 90 minutes and are spaced a week or two apart.

Compared to court proceedings, which can drag on for months or even years, family mediation is considerably quicker. This efficiency helps reduce the emotional toll on everyone involved, especially when there are children who need stability and routine.

Beginning the mediation process is straightforward. You’ll first need to contact a mediation provider to schedule a MIAM, which can often be arranged within a few days and conducted either in person or online. During this initial session, the mediator will explain how mediation works, assess whether it’s suitable for your situation, and answer any questions you may have.

If both parties are willing and the case is appropriate, joint sessions will be booked to start working on resolving the issues. Many services offer flexible times, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate busy schedules.

Agreements made in mediation are not automatically legally binding, but they can be formalised through the courts if both parties choose. Once an understanding is reached, the mediator can prepare a summary of what was agreed—often called a Memorandum of Understanding.

This document can be taken to a solicitor, who can draft a legally binding consent order. This option provides added security, especially when dealing with property or financial matters, and ensures that the terms of the agreement are enforceable if either party doesn’t comply in the future.

Not all family mediation cases result in a full agreement, but even partial progress can be valuable. If no resolution is reached, the mediator will issue a form (such as the C100 or Form A) to confirm that mediation was attempted, which is required if you want to apply to court.

Although disappointing, an unsuccessful mediation still helps clarify the issues and may reduce the scope of what the court needs to decide.   

Costs depend on several factors including the number of sessions, the complexity of the issues, and the mediator’s experience and location. Many mediators charge hourly rates or offer fixed-price packages for the entire process. While prices vary, mediation is usually far more affordable than going through court, where solicitor and litigation fees can quickly add up.

Legal Aid is available for family mediation in England and Wales if you meet certain financial eligibility criteria. This means the cost of your MIAM, mediation sessions, and even the preparation of paperwork may be fully covered. If you qualify but your ex-partner does not, they might still receive a free MIAM and their first session.

To determine eligibility, you’ll need to provide evidence of your income, benefits, and expenses. Legal Aid helps ensure that mediation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

Mediation itself isn’t compulsory—but in many cases, attending a MIAM is a legal requirement before you can apply to court for certain family matters. Since April 2014, most people are expected to consider mediation before starting court proceedings, especially for disputes involving children or finances.

There are exceptions—for example, if there’s a history of domestic abuse or if the case involves urgent safeguarding concerns. But for most separating couples, the court wants to see that you’ve at least tried to resolve your issues through dialogue before escalating to a formal hearing.

While mediation works well in many family disputes, it’s not appropriate in every case. If there are concerns about domestic abuse, intimidation, or safety, the process may not be safe or effective.

Mediation also may not be suitable if one party refuses to engage, or if urgent legal decisions need to be made—such as child protection or emergency financial matters. In such situations, the court is often the more appropriate route. A qualified mediator will always assess whether mediation is right for your circumstances during the MIAM and advise you accordingly.