Mediation

What is family mediation?

Family mediation is a quicker, calmer and more affordable way to resolve family disputes, with a trained, accredited mediator supporting you throughout.

Issues our family mediation service can help you resolve

Our family mediation covers child arrangements and residency, communication between parents, and child maintenance, giving you a calm, structured space to agree what works best for your family, without the stress of court.

We also help with divorce and separation, property and financial arrangements, and debt settlements, all guided by an accredited mediator.

The mediation process

A simple, four step path from your first call to a written, lasting agreement that works for your whole family.

Step one is a free initial consultation, so we can understand your situation.

Step two is your MIAM, a short assessment meeting that checks mediation is the right route for you and explains how the process works.

Step three brings you together for joint sessions, where a mediator helps you work through what matters most, at your pace.

Step four is a written summary of what you’ve agreed, which can be turned into a legally binding consent order if needed.

Why family mediation could be right for your family

Family mediation is voluntary, confidential and focused on finding solutions together, rather than a judge deciding for you. It’s often quicker and considerably cheaper than going through the family court.

You stay in control of the outcome throughout, and your children’s needs remain at the heart of every conversation and every agreement you reach.

How Much Does Mediation Cost?

We may be able to offer you FREE mediation through Legal Aid or the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. If you do not qualify, our transparent fees are listed below:

  • MIAM: £120 per person
  • Mediation Meeting: £120 per person per hour
  • Summary: £60
  • Open Financial Statement: £80 per person
  • Memorandum of Understanding: £80 per person
  • C100 Court Form: £60 per form

Mediation FAQs

What is a MIAM?

A Mediation Initial Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a meeting between the client and the mediator to find out if there are any alternative ways to find a solution to their problems and to help you to find the best way forward. This can be in relation to children or financial issues after separation or divorce. The MIAM can take between 45 minutes to 1 hour and is conducted either in person or online via Zoom, FaceTime or WhatsApp.

No, should you wish to proceed and if mediation is deemed a suitable means of resolution, your ex-partner will be invited to their own individual initial assessment meeting.

We can provide advice and assistance for mediation should you be in receipt of qualifying benefits or a low income. You can check your eligibility here. Our Fees are listed on our website and start from £80 per person for a MIAM.

If you are eligible, this entitles you to free mediation, this also entitles the other party to a free Initial assessment meeting and the first joint session is free too. Should you wish to speak to someone instead then please call our freephone number 0800 669 6109 and we will assist you in finding out if you are eligible for assistance.

If you or your partner do not meet the criteria for Free Legal Assistance, there are other options available to you. We participate in the Voucher scheme. The family mediation voucher scheme is a time-limited scheme, designed to support parties who may be able to resolve their family law disputes outside of court. The Government has set up the scheme in response to Covid-19 to support recovery in the family court and to encourage more people to consider mediation as a means of resolving their disputes, where appropriate. To support this, a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the costs of mediation will be provided, if eligible.

We can provide a signed MIAM form required for a C100 child arrangements order or a FORM A for a financial order to the courts. It is a legal requirement for you to attend an initial assessment meeting before a mediator can sign these forms unless there are exceptional circumstances.

We are delighted to offer our virtual and online service to anyone who lives in England and Wales. We offer mediation for families in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.

Yes, we have a detailed complaints policy which can be viewed by clicking this link here.

Don't just take our word for it

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Matthew New
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"I recently used First Steps Family Mediation and was incredibly impressed by their professionalism, efficiency, and care. The administration team made the entire process seamless, and communication was excellent from start to finish. I am particularly grateful for their ability to facilitate separate shuttle sessions, which ensured a completely safe, neutral, and comfortable environment throughout. I highly recommend their services to any parent navigating family mediation."
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Brenna Pearson
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So professional, helpful and kind. Thank you to Sam for all her help.
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Lisa
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Absolutely amazing
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Jmicster
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Excellent service from Sam & her team, They are sharp, analytical, and highly skilled at keeping conversations productive. They saved us months of litigation and significant legal fees by helping us find a mutual resolution in just a few sessions. Exceptional professionals.
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Gabriella Cordiner
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I didn’t think mediation would work but first steps were supportive and understanding of my children’s individual needs and helped us reach a better future. I recommend Sam and the team, we are so grateful for all your help.
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Richard Baker
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Never thought I'd undertake mediation. But I'm glad I chose First Steps. At a stressful time in life, they were professional, supportive, helpful, and very knowledgeable. I never felt talked down to or made to be the bad guy. Would very much recommend them for anyone facing those difficult conversations. A neutral space to talk openly, and freely.
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Tee J
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The management are very concerned about the clients experience - had a situation, she found a solution when she really didn’t have to and she made good on what was said to me - let’s hope the rest of the experience is to the same level Thankyou for your professionalism
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Timothy Rumbelow
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Compassionate and caring - totally recomended!
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Mark Steele
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If only the whole divorce procedure was as simple as dealing with First Steps. Karen and Samantha at the Plymouth office were absolutely amazing, providing reassurance, empathy, professional advice and genuinely cared about me and the process I was going through. I would whole heartedly recommend First Steps if you have any mediation requirements and add my thanks to them for everything that has been done by them.
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