Family Mediation Service
Our highly experienced family mediators can help you make arrangements for children, property and finance. Mediation puts you very much in control of making your own decisions. Compared with going to court, it can be quick, effective and comparatively low in cost.
Situations we work with are varied, but often involve:
Family mediation is a method of resolving conflicts within families, typically disputes regarding divorce, child custody, or financial matters. It is a voluntary process that allows family members to work together to find a mutually agreed solution in a confidential setting.
Step 1
A short call with our office team: we'll explain mediation and answer your questions or concerns.
Step 2
Your private introductory meetings (known as a MIAM) - 45 minutes. We'll hear your perspective and prepare for the next step.
Step 3
Joint meeting (JM) - 90 minutes. We'll enable listening and discussion, and help you find options that everyone can accept for the future.
Unlike traditional court procedings, mediation helps to preserve or improve relationships between family members. It provides a supportive environment for open and respectful communication so people can reach a resolution that is in their and their children's best interest.
It is likely to be quicker, less stressful and far less expensive than lengthy court proceedings.
You, rather than a judge, are in control of decisions and arrangements for you and your family.
It encourages a more co-operative relationship between parents.
Children benefit because of reduced parental conflict and ability to have a say in what happens.
A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a one-to-one meeting with a family mediator which lasts up to 45 minutes. You can explain your situation and the mediator will work out with you whether mediation is suitable and safe. This meeting will give you a clear idea of what your options are, and you can then decide how you’d like to move forward.
After this meeting, if you want to use mediation, and the mediator agrees it is suitable, we will try to contact the other party and invite them to a MIAM. If they agree to proceed and it is suitable, we will invite you both in for a joint mediation meeting which will last for 90 minutes. If the other person does not respond to our offer of a MIAM, or does not wish to try mediation, we can sign the form(s) you need for court.
In joint mediation meetings, you will sit down in a room with the other person and one or two of our family mediators. The mediator(s) will help you to agree arrangements for children and/or property or finances. You will both have a chance to speak and be heard and express your wishes and feelings.
Where you reach agreement the mediator(s) will record this in a mediation session summary, outcome summary or parenting plan.
It may take more than one mediation session to reach an agreement depending on your situation.
We offer Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM).
Where appropriate, children (usually from about 8 years old) can be invited to meet the mediator privately, if both parents consent.
The specialist CIM mediator will agree, with the child, what is to be fed back to the parents at their next session.
The parents still make the decisions, having taken the child’s views into account. For the child, being heard by the mediator and both parents can be a very positive experience and research has shown it can reduce negative mental health impacts.
Yes. Issues about care of or contact with grandchildren can be supported effectively through mediation, with some matters being eligible for Legal Aid.
Where clients reach agreements about property and/or financial matters, the mediator can record this in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This is not a legally binding document, but you can seek legal advice about going to court to make it legally binding.
Yes, both. If you are on a low income, at your MIAM we can assess whether you are eligible for free (legally aided) mediation sessions.
If one person is eligible for legal aid, the Legal Aid Agency will pay for a MIAM for each person plus the first joint mediation session.
Check here to find out if you are eligible https://www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid
Not eligible? You may still qualify for £500 towards your mediation costs through the Government’s non means-tested Mediation Voucher Scheme.
To see our full schedule of fees, click here: Family Mediation Fees.docx
Bear in mind that the government’s Mediation Voucher scheme (giving £500 towards your costs) is temporary – you are welcome to call us to check the current position – 0300 102 3033.
If you think Legal Aid should remain available for family mediation, please support the campaign here.
Yes. Pets are often a key concern for clients during a separation. We also have clients worried about the complexity of dividing crypto-currency assets. Our experienced family mediators can support you to consider the options and to agree a plan that works for you both.
We can support you to consider all the options clearly. Let's have a purely exploratory conversation about the next step.
Complete this no-obligation form to get a call back; it will enable us to have a productive conversation. Once the form opens, please download/print, complete in full and return it to: family@calmmediation.org
Team Contact Information
Cost
Effective
Exceptional experience
Skilled mediators
“It’s been over two years since I attended mediation, but I just wanted to thank you for your efforts at the time. Your guidance gave me a lot of strength to continue with what I believe to be fair and reasonable requests. I didn’t have to go to court in the end and your advice empowered me greatly which meant a lot to me.”
Family Mediation Service User
“I really appreciate what you have done for us today, thank you so much.”
Family Mediation Service User
“From the start they took the time to listen to me and felt like they understood. All in all I can say a brilliant service, thank you!”
Family Mediation Service User
“Helpful, informative, friendly, and committed to finding a positive resolution.”
Family Mediation Service User
“Thanks a lot for the mediation session. I am glad that we were able to achieve this much.”
Family Mediation Service User
“I wanted to thank you sincerely for your great work yesterday at the MIAM and mediation session. You made me feel welcome, at ease and gave me peace of mind that mediation might bring some resolution.”
Family Mediation Service User
“The team works professionally and shows human understanding. You get the best from your visit even if the outcome may not have been your way. Thank you.”
