Family Mediation

Each participant first meets with the mediator individually to discuss their circumstances, understand the process and explore whether mediation is suitable – this is called a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting).

If everyone agrees to proceed, the mediator will structure a series of joint or shuttle sessions around the issues you need to resolve. They remain neutral throughout, providing legal information, supporting constructive communication and helping you explore practical options. Any decisions remain yours to make.

Initial MIAMs are £300 plus VAT per person, with ongoing mediation sessions charged at an hourly rate.

The overall cost will depend on the number and length of sessions required, but typically ranges from £2,500 to £6,000 plus VAT, per couple. Usually, these fees are shared equally. Eligible cases involving children may also receive up to £500 towards the mediation costs via the Government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.

Payment arrangements are flexible. Participants may agree to divide the costs equally, pay from joint funds or arrange for one person to cover a greater share.

Unlike court proceedings, where each person usually pays for their own legal representation, participants typically share the cost of one mediator, making the process significantly less expensive in most cases.

Rather than requiring a large upfront payment, we invoice at the end of each mediation session. The cost of mediation is discussed thoroughly before the process begins.

This will depend on the issues involved, their complexity and the pace at which you wish to proceed. Most couples require between two and five sessions, although some matters may be resolved sooner and others take longer.

We will review progress throughout and discuss other options if mediation is no longer helping you move forward.

Mediation itself is voluntary, and either participant can decide not to proceed or end the process at any stage.

You will, however, usually need to attend a MIAM before applying to the family court about finances or children, unless an exemption applies.

Mediation may not be appropriate where there are concerns about domestic abuse, safety, a significant imbalance of power or one participant’s ability or willingness to engage constructively.

Your mediator will meet with each participant individually before joint sessions begin to assess suitability and discuss any safeguards or additional support required. We will be honest if another approach may be safer or more effective.

Yes. We provide mediation and MIAMs online by video call, allowing participants to take part from separate locations.

Online mediation can be particularly helpful where participants live further apart, have work or caring commitments, or would prefer not to attend the same office.

No. Shuttle mediation allows participants to remain in separate spaces, whether online or at our offices, with the mediator moving between them.

Breaks can also be taken whenever needed, and the structure can be adapted if circumstances change during the process.

Mediation can only proceed where both participants are willing to engage. The mediator can contact the other person and invite them to attend an individual meeting but cannot compel them to participate.

If they choose not to engage, an accredited mediator may still be able to complete the relevant court form following your MIAM, allowing you to consider making a court application where appropriate.

Proposals reached during mediation are not automatically legally binding. Your mediator can record what has been agreed and explain the steps needed to formalise it.

For financial arrangements, a solicitor can use the proposals as the basis for a consent order, which becomes legally binding once approved by the court. Agreed child arrangements can also be made legally binding through a consent order where necessary.