Family Mediation

Family mediation is now the preferred way for separating couples to sort out arrangements for children, money and property without going to court. With MIAM Direct you can mediate entirely online, saving time, stress and cost.

To get started, call 0333 567 1676 or book your MIAM online.

What Is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a voluntary process in which separating couples meet an accredited family mediator to discuss the issues between them and work towards a practical, agreed way forward. The mediator is impartial. They do not take sides or give legal advice; their role is to help you both reach an informed and workable agreement.

Once you have reached an agreement, you can choose to have it made legally binding through a court order, but you do not have to. Mediation is designed to give you flexibility, so that if your circumstances change in future, you can return to mediation to revisit and update your arrangements rather than being locked in.

Why the Courts Now Expect You to Consider Mediation

On 29 April 2024 the Family Procedure Rules in England and Wales were strengthened to push families towards resolving disputes away from court. The courts now expect you to have genuinely considered non-court dispute resolution, of which mediation is the most established form, before issuing proceedings. Judges can pause proceedings to allow mediation to be explored, and a party who unreasonably refuses to attend a MIAM or engage in non-court dispute resolution may face costs consequences. In practice, that makes mediation not just the cheaper option, but the one the court expects you to try first.

Quicker, Cheaper and Less Stressful Than Court

Family mediation is consistently shown to be less stressful, faster and far cheaper than going to court. The average cost of a contested divorce in England and Wales is widely estimated at around £14,500 once legal and court fees are taken into account, and complex disputes can run well beyond that. Mediation typically resolves matters in a small number of sessions at a fixed, predictable hourly rate, often saving thousands of pounds.

Beyond the money, mediation keeps decisions in your hands rather than a judge’s, protects your privacy, and, where children are involved, helps preserve a working relationship for the years ahead.

The £500 Family Mediation Voucher

If your case involves arrangements for children, you may be eligible for a government voucher of up to £500 towards the cost of your mediation sessions. The scheme is not means-tested, and the Ministry of Justice has extended it to March 2027. Your mediator will check your eligibility and handle the application for you at your MIAM.

It Starts With a MIAM

Every mediation begins with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), an individual meeting where the mediator explains your options and assesses whether mediation is suitable. A MIAM takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Because not everyone can take time off work, MIAM Direct conducts MIAMs online or by phone, so there is no travel and minimal disruption. If you would like to book an online MIAM, click here.

If both parties agree to mediate after their MIAMs, the first joint session is arranged. All sessions are conducted by a mediator accredited by the Family Mediation Council.

Pioneers in Online Mediation

We were, and continue to be, pioneers in online mediation, and the results speak for themselves. Many couples feel less stressed when they are not in the same room as their ex-partner, and are often able to reach a considered agreement more quickly. Online mediation also removes the need to travel and lets each person join from wherever they feel most comfortable.

What to Do Now

Ready to take the first step? To book your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting with an accredited family mediator, call 0333 567 1676 or use our online booking form.

Family Mediation FAQs

What can family mediation help me resolve?

Mediation can help you agree arrangements for children, finances, property and related issues following separation or divorce. It can also help wider family members resolve difficult disputes.

Is family mediation legally binding?

Mediation itself is not legally binding, which gives you flexibility. If you want your agreement to be binding, a solicitor can convert it into a consent order for approval by the court.

How much does family mediation cost?

Mediation is charged at a fixed hourly rate and is far cheaper than court. Most families resolve matters in a small number of sessions, and a £500 government voucher is available for eligible cases involving children.

Can family mediation be done online?

Yes. MIAM Direct conducts both MIAMs and mediation sessions online or by phone, so neither party needs to travel or take significant time off work.

What if we cannot agree on everything?

You may reach agreement on some issues and not others. The mediator can record what you have agreed, and you can return to mediation later or, if necessary, apply to court on the remaining points.