Key Takeaways
- Family mediation helps separating couples agree on children, finances, and property without court
- Over 70% of mediated cases reach a successful agreement (Family Mediation Council)
- Average cost around £750 total vs £5,000-£30,000+ for court proceedings
- All sessions are online via video call, serving all of England and Wales
- You must attend a MIAM before most family court applications
What Is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a structured process where a trained, neutral mediator helps separating couples reach agreements about their children, finances, and property. It is an alternative to going to court, and in most cases, it is quicker, cheaper, and less stressful.
A family mediator does not take sides or make decisions for you. Instead, they guide conversations so that both parties can express their concerns, explore options, and work towards a resolution that everyone can live with.
Mediation is voluntary. Both parties need to be willing to take part. If one person refuses or if mediation is not suitable (for example, due to domestic abuse), your mediator will confirm this so you can proceed to court.
Over 70% of cases that go through family mediation result in a successful agreement, according to the Family Mediation Council. The average mediation case resolves in around 110 days, compared to 450 days through the court system (National Audit Office).
Do I Need Family Mediation?
If you are separating or divorcing and need to agree on arrangements for your children, divide finances, or sort out property, family mediation is almost always the recommended first step.
Before you can apply to family court for a child arrangements order (C100) or a financial order (Form A), you are legally required to attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). At the MIAM, your mediator will explain how mediation works and whether it could help resolve your dispute.
Family mediation is suitable when:
- You need to agree where your children will live or how much time they spend with each parent
- You need to divide finances, property, pensions, or savings after separation
- You want to agree on spousal maintenance or child maintenance arrangements
- You need to make decisions about the family home
- You want to create a parenting plan that works for both sides
Mediation is not suitable where there is a history of domestic abuse, where one party is unable to negotiate freely, or where there are serious safeguarding concerns about a child. If an exemption applies, your mediator will sign the relevant section of your court form at no additional cost.
What Types of Disputes Can Family Mediation Resolve?
Child Arrangements
Mediation helps parents agree on where children will live, how much time they spend with each parent, holiday arrangements, schooling decisions, and day-to-day parenting responsibilities. A mediated parenting plan is often more flexible and practical than a court order because it is built around your family, not a judge who has 15 minutes to read your case.
Read more about child arrangement mediation
Financial Mediation
Financial mediation covers the division of property, savings, pensions, debts, and ongoing maintenance after separation or divorce. Your mediator helps both parties disclose their financial positions and work towards a fair settlement. If you reach agreement, this can be made legally binding through a consent order drafted by a solicitor.
Read more about financial mediation
Mixed Mediation (Children and Finances)
Many separating couples need to resolve both child arrangements and financial matters at the same time. In mediation, these can be addressed together across a series of sessions, rather than running two separate court applications. This saves time, reduces cost, and allows you to see the full picture when making decisions.
How Does Family Mediation Work?
The mediation process follows a clear structure. Here is what to expect:
Step 1: Book a MIAM. Each person attends their own individual MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). This is a confidential, one-to-one session where your mediator explains the process, checks suitability, and answers your questions. MIAMs are held separately. You will not be in the same room or call as the other party. Book your MIAM here.
Step 2: Both parties attend their MIAM. If you both agree to try mediation, your mediator will arrange the first joint session. If the other party refuses or mediation is not suitable, your mediator signs the relevant court form so you can proceed.
Step 3: Joint mediation sessions. Sessions are held online via secure video call. Each session lasts 90 minutes. Most cases need 2 to 4 sessions, depending on the complexity of the issues. Your mediator guides the discussion, ensures both parties are heard, and helps you explore options.
Step 4: Reach agreement. If you reach an agreement, your mediator will draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) summarising what you have agreed. For financial agreements, this can be taken to a solicitor and turned into a legally binding consent order.
Ready to take the next step? Book your MIAM online today.
Book Your MIAMFull guide: How the mediation process works
Why Choose Mediation Over Court?
Going to court for a family dispute is expensive, slow, and emotionally draining. Mediation offers a better path for most families:
| Mediation | Court | |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | Around £750 total | £5,000 to £30,000+ (GOV.UK) |
| Average time | 110 days | 450 days (National Audit Office) |
| Who decides? | You and the other party | A judge who does not know your family |
| Confidential? | Yes, completely | No, court hearings are on public record |
| Flexibility | Sessions at times that work for you | Court dates set by the court |
| Success rate | Over 70% reach agreement | Many cases settle before final hearing anyway |
| Children involved? | Child-focused, parents in control | Adversarial, often increases conflict |
Full comparison: Mediation vs Court
How Much Does Family Mediation Cost?
BookMIAM operates on fixed fee pricing with no hidden costs:
- MIAM: £100 per person (one-off meeting, required before court)
- MIAM Certificate: £60 (FM1, C100, or Form A signing)
- Mediation Sessions: £150 per person per 90-minute session
- Free 15-Minute Chat: £0 (no obligation, ask us anything)
A typical case involving 3 mediation sessions costs around £750 total for both parties combined. Compare that to solicitor fees of £5,000 to £30,000+ for a contested court case.
You may also be eligible for the £500 government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which covers the cost of your first mediation sessions. Your mediator will check eligibility at your MIAM.
Online Family Mediation Across England and Wales
All BookMIAM sessions are conducted online via secure video call. There is no need to travel, take time off work, or arrange childcare. You attend from home, from your office, or from anywhere with an internet connection.
Online mediation is just as effective as in-person mediation. The Family Mediation Council recognises online delivery as fully compliant with professional standards. Your mediator can sign all the same court documents (C100, Form A, FM1) as they would in a face-to-face meeting.
We serve clients across all of England and Wales, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle, Nottingham, and every town and city in between. Wherever you are, you can access the same professional mediation service.
If you are in London, see our dedicated MIAM London page for local court information and borough coverage.
Your Family Mediator
Your mediator is Abdul Wahid, an FMA trained family mediator registered with the Family Mediation Council. Abdul has over 10 years of experience helping families and businesses resolve disputes. He is authorised to sign MIAM certificates and court forms including the C100 (child arrangements), Form A (financial orders), and FM1.
Abdul takes a calm, practical approach to mediation. He understands that separation is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through, and he works to create a safe space where both parties can have honest, productive conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
See below for common questions about family mediation. If your question is not answered here, get in touch or book a free 15-minute chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does family mediation take?
Most cases resolve in 2 to 4 sessions over a period of 4 to 8 weeks. Each session lasts 90 minutes. Simple child arrangement cases may need only 2 sessions, while complex financial cases may need 4 or more.
Is family mediation legally binding?
The mediation agreement itself (called a Memorandum of Understanding) is not legally binding. However, it can be taken to a solicitor and turned into a legally binding consent order. For child arrangements, a mediated parenting plan is often more practical than a court order.
What if the other person refuses to mediate?
If the other party refuses to attend a MIAM or engage in mediation, your mediator will sign the relevant section of your C100 or Form A confirming this. You can then proceed with your court application.
Can I bring a solicitor to mediation?
Mediation sessions do not usually involve solicitors. However, you can take legal advice between sessions. Many people find it helpful to consult a solicitor before signing any financial agreement so they understand their legal rights.
Is family mediation confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed in mediation is confidential and cannot be used as evidence in court. The only exception is if there is a safeguarding concern about a child or a risk of serious harm.
Do I have to be in the same room as my ex?
No. All our sessions are online via video call. You join from your own location. If face-to-face contact is not appropriate, shuttle mediation is available where the mediator speaks to each person separately.
What is the difference between mediation and counselling?
Mediation is a practical process focused on reaching specific agreements about children, finances, or property. Counselling is focused on emotional support and processing feelings. Mediation is forward-looking and task-oriented.
Can mediation help if we have already been to court?
Yes. Courts often refer cases back to mediation, even after proceedings have started. If circumstances have changed since a court order was made, mediation can help you agree on updated arrangements without going back to court.
Written by
Abdul Wahid
FMA trained family mediator, registered with the Family Mediation Council. Over 10 years of experience helping families and businesses resolve disputes through mediation.