Family Mediation
Practical, impartial support to help your family move forward after separation
Find constructive solutions without conflict
Family Mediation provides a neutral and structured space to help separating or divorcing families have constructive conversations, consider their options and make practical arrangements for children, finances and property.
Our accredited family mediator can help you make arrangements for children and discuss finances, property and other practical issues. Mediators remain impartial: they do not take sides, make decisions for you or provide legal advice.
The aim is to reduce conflict and help you reach informed agreements that work for your family. This can include:
- Financial decisions about property, pensions, or support payments
- Where and with whom your children may live
- When children spend time with each of you
We can provide Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) for people who need one before making certain family court applications.
Our services are designed to be flexible. We provide both online and in-person
Legal Considerations and Support
- The law now requires you to consider mediation before taking your case to family court. This begins with an information and assessment meeting (MIAM) with a qualified mediator.
- All our mediators are accredited by the Family Mediation Council.
- Mediation may be free if you qualify for Legal Aid.
- We are also able to offer £500 of free mediation under the Government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme when arrangements for children are being discussed.
Family Mediation & MIAM Appointments
Separating or divorcing? Our accredited family mediators can help you talk things through, make arrangements for children, discuss finances and property, and find a way forward together.
Considering a court application? A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) may be required first to explore your options. We can arrange that too.
What to Expect
A safe, neutral space
For constructive discussion
A focus on practical solutions
Rather than blame
Clear, written agreements
You can refer to afterwards
Avoid costly court battles
Financial support available
Yes. All records are kept securely and are only seen by authorized Relationships Service personnel. These records are subject to the General Data Protection Regulation of May 2018. We will not give your name or any other information about you to anyone outside The Relationships Service unless someone’s personal safety is at risk.
If you want to take your case to court, it is now – in most cases – a legal requirement that you attend a MIAM (mediation information assessment meeting). The other person involved is also expected to attend one.
Yes. Many clients come to mediation because communication has broken down. The mediator provides a structured and safe environment to support productive conversations.
This varies depending on the complexity of the issues and both parties’ willingness to engage. Some matters are resolved in one or two sessions, while others require more.