How Does Family Mediation Work in the UK?
Family mediation is a structured process where a trained, impartial mediator helps separating couples reach agreements about their children, finances, and future. The family mediation process in the UK follows a clear path from your first meeting through to a signed agreement.
Unlike going to court, mediation puts you in control. You and the other party decide the outcome together, with professional guidance to keep conversations focused and productive. Most families resolve their disputes within 2 to 4 sessions.
The Family Mediation Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Book Your MIAM
Everything starts with a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). This is a confidential, one-to-one meeting where you speak with a trained mediator about your situation. You can book a MIAM online and attend via video call from anywhere in England and Wales. A MIAM costs a fixed fee of £100 per person.
Step 2: Attend Your MIAM
The MIAM lasts around 45 to 60 minutes. Your mediator will listen to your situation, explain how family mediation works, and assess whether it is suitable for your circumstances. They will also check for any safeguarding concerns and explain costs, including whether you may qualify for the £500 voucher scheme or legal aid. If you qualify for legal aid, the MIAM is free.
The MIAM is private. The other party is not present. There is no pressure to agree to anything.
Step 3: The Other Party’s MIAM
If you decide mediation could help, your mediator contacts the other party and invites them to attend their own MIAM. This is also a private, one-to-one meeting. Both parties must attend a MIAM before joint sessions can begin.
If the other party refuses to attend, your mediator will sign the relevant section of your C100 or Form A so you can proceed directly to court.
Step 4: Joint Mediation Sessions
If both parties agree to try mediation, joint sessions are arranged. These can take place online via video call, in person, or through shuttle mediation where you and the other party are in separate rooms and the mediator moves between you.
How many mediation sessions you need depends on the complexity of your situation. Most families need between 2 and 4 sessions, each lasting around 90 minutes. Mediation sessions cost a fixed fee of £150 per person per session.
Step 5: Reaching an Agreement
If you reach an agreement through mediation, your mediator prepares a written summary called a memorandum of understanding. This document sets out what you have both agreed to.
For child arrangements, this might include a detailed parenting plan covering where your children live, contact schedules, holidays, and schooling decisions.
For financial matters, it might cover the division of property, pensions, savings, debts, and spousal maintenance.
Step 6: Making It Legally Binding
A mediation agreement is not automatically legally binding. To make it enforceable, you need a consent order, which is a legal document approved by the court. Your mediator can explain how consent orders work, but you will need a solicitor to draft and submit it. A consent order after mediation is significantly cheaper and faster than contested court proceedings.
What Is Shuttle Mediation?
Shuttle mediation is where you and the other party are in separate rooms (or on separate video calls) and the mediator moves between you. This is an option if you do not feel comfortable being in the same space as the other party, or if there are concerns about power imbalance or intimidation. The mediator carries proposals and responses back and forth until an agreement is reached.
What Is Child Inclusive Mediation?
Child inclusive mediation gives older children a safe, age-appropriate space to express how they feel about the family situation. It is not about asking children to take sides or make decisions. A specially trained mediator meets with the child separately and feeds their views into the mediation process, with the child’s consent. This can help parents understand the impact of their decisions and create arrangements that genuinely work for the whole family.
Why Does Mediation Work?
Over 70% of cases that go through family mediation result in a successful agreement, according to the Family Mediation Council. These are agreements that both parties have shaped and committed to, which means they are far more likely to last than court-imposed orders.
Ready to take the next step? Book your MIAM online today.
Book Your MIAMMediation is not about giving in or compromising on things that matter. It is about having a structured, guided conversation with the help of a trained professional, so that you can reach practical solutions that work for your family.
Mediation vs Court
Going to family court is stressful, expensive, and slow. Mediation costs UK families significantly less. A full mediation typically costs under £2,000 total for both parties, compared to £5,000 to £30,000 or more per person for court proceedings with solicitor representation, according to GOV.UK.
Mediation is also the cheapest way to get divorced when there are disputes to resolve. The mediation vs solicitor cost comparison is stark: most mediation cases cost less than a single round of solicitor correspondence in contested proceedings.
How long does family court take in 2026? Family court cases typically take 6 to 18 months, and complex cases can take longer. Mediation can often be concluded within weeks.
What Can Mediation Help With?
- Where your children will live and how they spend time with each parent
- Holiday and school arrangements
- Division of property, pensions, savings, and debts
- Spousal maintenance
- Communication between separated parents
- No fault divorce arrangements
- Any other family dispute where both parties are willing to talk
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does family mediation work?
Family mediation starts with a MIAM where your mediator explains the process. If both parties agree, joint sessions are arranged online. Your mediator guides the conversation, helps you explore options, and supports you in reaching a practical agreement.
How many mediation sessions will I need?
Most families need 2 to 4 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. The exact number depends on the complexity of your situation and how many issues need resolving.
Is mediation legally binding?
Agreements reached in mediation are not automatically legally binding. However, they can be made binding through a consent order approved by the court.
What if mediation does not work?
If mediation is not suitable or does not lead to an agreement, your mediator will sign your court form confirming that you attended. You can then proceed with your court application.
Can I still go to court after mediation?
Yes. Mediation does not prevent you from going to court. If you cannot reach an agreement, you are free to apply to the family court at any time.
What is shuttle mediation?
Shuttle mediation is where you and the other party are in separate rooms and the mediator moves between you. This is an option if you do not feel comfortable being in the same space as the other party.
How long does family court take in 2026?
Family court cases typically take 6 to 18 months, and complex cases can take longer. Mediation can often be concluded within weeks, making it significantly faster.
Is mediation cheaper than a solicitor?
Yes, significantly. A full mediation typically costs under £2,000 total. Solicitor fees for court representation can range from £5,000 to £30,000 or more per person.
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.