Family Mediation – A Calm, Clear Way Forward
Family mediation helps separating couples and co‑parents make practical decisions about children, communication and finances. It is a confidential, voluntary, and future‑focused process that keeps you in control and reduces conflict.
What Happens in Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a structured process where an independent, accredited mediator helps you:
- Make child arrangements
- Improve communication
- Discuss schooling, holidays and travel
- Work through financial disclosure
- Agree on property, pensions, savings and debts
- Create a Parenting Plan
- Navigate SEND‑related decisions
- Reduce stress and avoid unnecessary court proceedings
Mediation helps you make informed decisions together, rather than leaving them to a court.
What is Family Mediation?
Your MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting)
A MIAM is the first step in the family mediation process. It is a confidential one‑to‑one meeting where we:
- Discuss your situation
- Explain how mediation works
- Assess whether mediation is suitable
- Explore alternatives to court
- Provide guidance on next steps
Most family court applications require a MIAM unless an exemption applies.
What to expect in your MIAM
How the Family Mediation Process Works
You set the pace. Mediation can be as fast or as steady as you need
Initial Enquiry
A short conversation to understand your needs and arrange your MIAM.
MIAM
A confidential meeting to assess suitability and explain your options.
Joint mediation sessions
Structured discussions to help you explore solutions. Sessions can be joint or shuttle.
Working towards "Settled Proposals"
We focus on practical, workable arrangements for children, finances and communication.
Outcome documents
We may draw up a
- Parenting Plan,
- Open Financial Statement (OFS),
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Legal Advice & Next Steps
You can take legal advice at any stage. Agreements can be made legally binding through a consent order.
Why Choose MediationWorks Online?
Working with highly qualified and motivated professionals
- Accredited civil, commercial, workplace, SEND and family mediator
- Calm, structured and empathetic approach
- Experience with complex family, cultural and SEND‑related issues
- Clear explanations and practical guidance
- Online mediation for convenience and accessibility
- Neutral, respectful and future‑focused
What We Can Help You Resolve
Parenting arrangements
We help you create practical, child‑focused arrangements that support stability and meet your children’s needs.
Faith, culture, & extended family considerations
We sensitively support discussions around faith, culture and family expectations to help you find balanced, respectful solutions.
Schooling, holidays, travel
Mediation provides a structured space to agree on schooling decisions, holiday plans and travel arrangements with clarity and fairness.
Communication plans
We work with you to develop simple, workable communication routines that reduce conflict and support co‑parenting.
Financial disclosure
Mediation enables open, transparent financial disclosure so you can make informed decisions about your future.
Property, pensions, savings, debts
Together we explore fair, realistic options for dividing property, pensions, savings and debts.
Interim arrangements
Mediation can help you agree short‑term arrangements that provide stability while longer‑term decisions are being worked out.
SEND related decisions
Mediation offers a calm, informed space to address SEND‑related needs and agree on the support your child requires.
Costs, Legal Aid & the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
I aim to be transparent and fair with fees. If you are eligible for Legal Aid, your MIAM and first joint session may be free.
Useful links:
- Family Mediation Voucher Scheme https://www.gov.uk/guidance/family-mediation-voucher-scheme
- FMC Legal Aid Information https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/legal-aid/
Helpful Resources & Signposting
- Family Mediation Council (FMC) https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk
- CAFCASS – Parenting Plans & Guidance https://www.cafcass.gov.uk
- GOV.UK – Making Child Arrangements https://www.gov.uk/making-child-arrangements
- Resolution – Legal Advice for Families https://resolution.org.uk
- Citizens Advice – Separation & Divorce https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to be in the same room or on the same screen?
- No. Shuttle mediation is available if needed.
What if we don’t agree?
- Mediation helps you explore options. Even partial agreements can reduce stress and cost.
How many sessions will we need?
- Most families need between one and three sessions, depending on complexity.
Is mediation legally binding?
- Not automatically. You can take legal advice and convert agreements into a consent order.
What documents do we receive?
- A Parenting Plan, Open Financial Statement and/or Memorandum of Understanding.
What if there are safety concerns?
- We discuss this at the MIAM. Mediation only proceeds if it is safe and appropriate.