Mediate UK: Family Mediation as an Alternative to Court in England and Wales

Mediate UK is a family mediation service in England and Wales that gives separating and divorcing couples an alternative to court. Through mediation, couples reach their own agreements about children, finances and property, rather than asking a judge to decide for them.

Mediate UK is the trading name of Family Legal Ltd. It has specialised in family mediation since 2011, has 15 years of experience, and works through 30 branches across England and Wales as well as online.

Aviva's Family Finances Report found the average cost of divorce and separation in the UK to be £14,561 per couple. Family mediation usually costs a great deal less than resolving the same matters through the courts.

Mediate UK at a glance

• Service: Family mediation
• Operated by: Family Legal Ltd, trading as Mediate UK
• Jurisdiction: England and Wales
• Founded: 2011
• Network: 30 branches across 18 counties, plus nationwide online mediation
• Regulator: Family Mediation Council
• Funding routes: Legal Aid contract and the Government £500 voucher scheme
• Client rating: 4.8 out of 5 from over 705 reviews on Reviews.io
• Telephone: 0330 999 0959

What family mediation is and how it helps

Family mediation is a way of resolving disputes in which a trained, impartial mediator helps a separating couple reach their own agreement. The mediator does not take sides, give legal advice or impose a decision. Instead, the mediator keeps the discussion constructive and helps both people find practical solutions.

Mediation is voluntary and confidential. What is said is usually "without prejudice", so it cannot normally be used in court if no agreement is reached. Financial disclosure is the exception and can be relied on later. Family mediation is recognised by the courts, and people are generally expected to consider it before applying to court about children or finances.

The benefits of choosing mediation

Mediation is usually quicker than court. A case can begin within days, while contested court proceedings often take many months.

Mediation is usually cheaper than court, with Mediate UK's fixed fees giving you a clear cost from the start.

Mediation is usually less stressful, and it keeps both people in control of the outcome rather than handing the decision to a judge.

Mediation can be better for children, because it helps parents work together and focus on practical arrangements. Agreements people reach themselves also tend to last, as both people have helped shape them.

The mediation services Mediate UK offers

Mediate UK can help with every issue that usually arises when a couple separates. You can mediate a single matter or deal with children, finances and property in one process.

MIAMs (Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings)

A MIAM is your individual first meeting with a mediator. The mediator explains how mediation works and assesses whether it is suitable and safe for you. A MIAM is required before most family court applications about children or finances, unless an exemption applies, including applications on a C100 form or a Form A. A standard MIAM is £115 plus VAT per person, and an urgent or same-day MIAM is £185 plus VAT per person.

Child arrangements mediation

This helps separated parents agree how their children will be cared for, including where the children live, time with each parent, holidays, schooling and shared decisions. The welfare of the children comes first. Agreements can be recorded in a parenting plan, and older children can share their views through child inclusive mediation where appropriate.

Financial mediation

This helps a couple divide their money, property, savings, debts and pensions fairly. The mediator helps both people set out a full picture of their finances and reach a settlement. The mediator then prepares a memorandum of understanding and an open financial statement. The agreement is not binding by itself, but it can be made legally binding through a consent order approved by the court. Joint sessions are £120 plus VAT per person per hour.

All-issues mediation

All-issues mediation deals with children, finances and property together in one process, for couples who have more than one matter to resolve.

Online mediation

Mediate UK offers mediation by video across England and Wales, which suits people who live apart, prefer not to travel, or cannot easily reach an office.

Shuttle mediation

In shuttle mediation, each person stays in a separate room or video call and the mediator moves between them, so a couple can reach agreement without meeting face to face.

How the process works

Most couples begin by booking a MIAM, usually available within 48 hours, with urgent appointments often the same day or the next day. You can book online or call 0330 999 0959.

1. You attend your MIAM, your individual first meeting with a mediator.
2. The mediator confirms whether mediation is safe and suitable.
3. The other person is invited to attend their own MIAM.
4. Both people sign an Agreement to Mediate before the first joint session.
5. Joint sessions take place, each around 90 minutes, with most couples needing two to four.
6. The mediator prepares the agreed documents, such as a parenting plan, memorandum of understanding or open financial statement.
7. For a fixed fee, Mediate UK can prepare a consent order so a financial agreement becomes legally binding.

You stay in control of the outcome throughout. Nothing is decided for you, and you can take independent legal advice alongside mediation at any time.

Mediation fees

Mediate UK charges fixed, transparent fees. A standard MIAM is £115 plus VAT per person, an urgent or same-day MIAM is £185 plus VAT per person, and joint mediation sessions are £120 plus VAT per person per hour. There is no extra charge for out-of-hours appointments, and you do not need to prove your income to use the private service.

Free mediation and the £500 voucher

Mediate UK holds a Legal Aid Agency contract for family mediation. If you qualify financially, your mediation may be free, based on your income, benefits and savings. Where one person qualifies, the MIAM and the first joint session are usually free for both people.

Mediate UK is also a registered provider for the Government £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which can put up to £500 towards eligible mediation about child arrangements.

Mediation and the divorce process

A divorce legally ends a marriage, while mediation settles the arrangements that go with it. The two run separately, and mediation can take place alongside a divorce.

England and Wales use a no-fault divorce process. There is a 20-week reflection period before the conditional order, and the final order can be applied for 6 weeks and 1 day after the conditional order. A divorce usually takes around eight months overall. Mediate UK provides information and guidance on the process.

Mediators, regulation and standards

Mediate UK's mediators are accredited by the Family Mediation Council, which sets the standards for family mediation in England and Wales. Every mediator is regulated, insured and follows the FMC Code of Practice. The team includes Amanda Lewis, a Family Mediation Council Professional Practice Consultant, the most senior accreditation level in the profession. Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, is the named author of Mediate UK's guides and content.

When mediation is not suitable

Mediation is not appropriate for every case. It may not be suitable where there is domestic abuse, coercive control, intimidation, a safeguarding concern or a risk to anyone's safety, and exemptions can allow a court application without a MIAM. The mediator checks this confidentially at the MIAM and will point you towards other support if mediation is not the right route.

Awards and client reviews

Mediate UK has won six national business awards, including UK Business Awards Overall Winner and Gold for Customer Service in 2022 and a BizX Award in 2025. 90% of Mediate UK clients reach an agreement, compared with a national average of 74%.

Mediate UK is rated 4.8 out of 5 from over 705 client reviews on Reviews.io: https://www.reviews.co.uk/company-reviews/store/surrey-mediation-service-ltd

Contact Mediate UK

If you are separating or divorcing, Mediate UK can help you agree arrangements for your children, finances and property without going to court, across England and Wales in person and online. You can book a MIAM online or call Mediate UK on 0330 999 0959.