Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Family Mediation

What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a confidential, forward-focused process that helps separating couples resolve disputes around parenting, finances and property— without going to court. Family mediation also deals with wider family disputes such as grandparents contact, decisions on care of relatives and more.  It’s quicker, more affordable, and less stressful than litigation. In most cases, you must consider mediation before applying to court.

Our mediators are trained, FMC registered professionals, who:

  • Facilitate calm, constructive conversations
  • Help you explore options and reach fair agreements
  • Ensure both voices are heard
  • Provide legal information (but not advice)
  • Support decisions that work for your children and your future

They remain impartial and do not make decisions for you.

The first step is to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to find out if the process is right for you. You might be surprised to find it is – we know that where both former partners go and see a mediator for a MIAM, three quarters choose to go on to mediate, despite the fact that many don’t know anything about mediation before the meeting, or think their partner is so unreasonable that mediation will never work.

A MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting) is your opportunity to meet with the mediator 1-2-1 for up to an hour and helps you:

  • Understand the mediation process
  • Share your situation and concerns
  • Explore options for resolution
  • Decide whether mediation is right for you
  • Next steps
  • MIAMs are required before most court applications. Learn more from the Family Mediation Council
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CIM allows children (usually aged 10+) to share their views with a specially trained mediator in a safe, separate meeting. This ensures decisions remain child-focused and supports healthier outcomes for families.

If both parties agree to mediate, we’ll schedule your first joint mediation session. Most families reach agreement within 2-4 sessions. If mediation isn’t suitable, we’ll guide you through alternative options.

Mediation is always voluntary, but attending a MIAM is mandatory before most family court applications. If you believe that your case is not suitable for the mediation process, you will need to show the judge that you’ve attended a MIAM and that you’ve considered mediation and any other suitable alternatives before going to court, unless specific circumstances mean you are exempt from this requirement. See the full list of exemptions on GOV.UK

You may be invited to attend a MIAM. This doesn’t mean you’re committing to mediation — it’s simply a chance to understand your options and this step can save time and money.

Not automatically. However, you can apply for a legally binding consent order through the court. We’ll guide you through this process and connect you with legal support if needed.

Absolutely. Many clients find it helpful. You can:

Legal advice is helpful when:

  • Making decisions with legal implications
  • Reviewing proposed agreements
  • Preparing consent orders or divorce papers

Choose a solicitor who specialises in family law and follows the Law Society’s Family Law Protocol.

Yes — we offer hybrid mediation, where solicitors join sessions. This is especially useful for financial matters and can speed up resolution. Ask us if this option suits your case.

If mediation doesn’t result in agreement, you can still take your case to court. However, over 90% of our clients reach resolution — well above the national average of 73% (Family Mediation Council, 2019).

You can return to mediation to revise your agreement. If your arrangement is legally binding and not followed, enforcement through the courts is possible. Although, people tend to stick to arrangements when they’ve been involved in the decision-making process, rather than told by a Judge.

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