Mediation services - family mediation

What is Mediation?

NATIONWIDE ONLINE FAMILY MEDIATION SERVICES

So What Is Mediation?

 

We think we know what it means for us, but do we really?

At Alliance Family Mediation, we believe in empowering family members to take an active role in shaping their own future. Family mediation is a safe, structured, impartial process that helps separating couples resolve important decisions without the stress, cost or conflict of going to court. Instead of handing control to a judge, mediation allows you to make your own decisions with the support of a trained, neutral mediator.

It’s designed to reduce tension, improve communication and give you a practical way forward – at a pace that feels manageable. Unlike court-imposed rulings, mediation allows families to work collaboratively toward tailor-made, flexible solutions that address their specific concerns. The strength of mediation lies in its emphasis on self-determination – you decide the outcome, not the courts.

A clearer, calmer way to make decisions about children, finances and separation.

How Mediation Works

Mediation takes place in a series of guided conversations, either together in the same room, in separate online breakout rooms, or fully online from wherever you feel comfortable.
Your mediator’s role is to help you both:

Share perspectives Safely

Consider All Options

Explore Available Solutions

Clarify Your Priorities

Fair & Workable Agreements

What is mediation? Mediation services - the first steps
£150

MIAM |Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting

Court application sign-off £60
(available once you have attended a MIAM)

____________________

The law states that you should attend a MIAM with a family mediator before you submit an application to the courts (unless you are exempt). A MIAM is an individual, confidential meeting between you and the mediator. The mediator will provide you with information about the mediation principles and procedures. You will also be assessed for your suitability for mediation services.

Mediators don’t take sides, make judgements or tell you what you ‘should’ do.

Everything is focused on future solutions, not past conflict

Schedule a call to help solve your family issues

What Mediation can help you resolve

Child Arrangements

Family mediation helps parents create clear plans for their children after separation. This can include living arrangements, weekly routines, holidays, schooling decisions and communication between households. The focus is always on the wellbeing of the children, helping parents agree arrangements that provide stability, consistency and a positive co-parenting relationship.

Financial Matters

Mediation provides a structured way to discuss financial matters following separation. Couples can work through property arrangements, savings, pensions, debts and ongoing financial responsibilities in a calm and transparent environment. With the guidance of a mediator, conversations stay focused on solutions and fair outcomes that allow both to move forward with clarity.

separation logistics

Separation often raises many practical questions about day-to-day life. Mediation can help couples organise arrangements such as living situations, short-term financial responsibilities and how communication will work while longer-term decisions are being made. Addressing these details early can reduce uncertainty and help both people feel more prepared for the next stage.

communication

For many couples, mediation also helps rebuild constructive communication during a difficult time. With a neutral mediator guiding the conversation, discussions can take place in a balanced and respectful way. This can reduce conflict, improve understanding and create a more cooperative foundation for future decisions - particularly when children remain part of both parents’ lives.

The Benefits of Mediation

Mediation is increasingly the preferred approach for families because it offers:

More Control Over Outcomes

You decide the outcome, not a court.

Faster & Less Stressful

Most families reach decisions far quicker than through solicitor-led negotiations

More affordable & Voucher Option

Mediation is significantly cheaper than going to court, and the £500 voucher may apply

Always Child-focused

Discussions are always grounded in your children’s best interests

Confidential & private

Unlike court hearings, mediation is completely confidential.

Your mediator ensures the space remains safe, balanced & constructive.

The Mediation Process: Step-by-Step

step one

Free
Consultation

A short, friendly conversation to help you understand how mediation works, ask questions, and decide whether it feels like the right next step for you.

step two

MIAM
Assessment

A private meeting with your mediator where you discuss your situation, explore your options, and assess whether mediation is suitable before moving forward.
step three

Joint / Separate Mediation

Structured mediation meetings where you discuss children, finances or practical arrangements with the support of a neutral mediator, working towards solutions that feel fair and workable for both of you.
step four

Summary Documents

Once agreements are reached, your mediator prepares clear written proposals that can be taken to a solicitor and, if you choose, turned into legally binding consent orders.
A short, friendly conversation to help you understand how mediation works, ask questions, and decide whether it feels like the right next step for you.
A private meeting with your mediator where you discuss your situation, explore your options, and assess whether mediation is suitable before moving forward.
Structured mediation meetings where you discuss children, finances or practical arrangements with the support of a neutral mediator, working towards solutions that feel fair and workable for both of you.
Once agreements are reached, your mediator prepares clear written proposals that can be taken to a solicitor and, if you choose, turned into legally binding consent orders.

Why Families Choose Us

At Alliance Family Mediation, we believe in empowering family members to take an active role in shaping their own future. Family mediation is a safe, structured, impartial process that helps separating couples resolve important decisions without the stress, cost or conflict of going to court. Instead of handing control to a judge, mediation allows you to make your own decisions with the support of a trained, neutral mediator.

It’s designed to reduce tension, improve communication and give you a practical way forward – at a pace that feels manageable. Unlike court-imposed rulings, mediation allows families to work collaboratively toward tailor-made, flexible solutions that address their specific concerns. The strength of mediation lies in its emphasis on self-determination – you decide the outcome, not the courts.

Is Mediation Right For You?

Mediation works well when:

You want to avoid court

You prefer a calmer, more private approach

You value having control over the outcomes

You want to protect your children from conflict

How long does it all take?
Mediation is recognised as a quicker, cheaper and less stressful alternative to the court system for separating and divorcing couples​.
You both get to decide your outcome, with my support.
What is Mediation – Are the agreements legal?
With my help, agreements can be made in a safe and confidential space to suit both parties. All agreements can then go on to be made into legally binding orders through the courts.
What if I’d rather go to court?
The law says that you must show that you have at least considered mediation before you can take a case to court, unless there are special circumstances involved, like domestic violence.
Can a mediator give me a divorce?
No. You’ll need to legally end your marriage or civil partnership, but you won’t have to physically go to court for this. I can support you with the documents you will need to submit, and when to do that.
Do we have to pay for mediation?

Legal aid is available for mediation. This means that if you’re eligible, it might be free for you. I can show you where to go for eligibility checks.

Is mediation about trying to get us to stay together?
No. Mediators are not counsellors, and will not suggest you stay together.
I help you work out what happens when you split up.
What is Mediation – are you a regulated mediator?
Yes. I am a member of the Family Mediation Council, the Family Mediation Association and the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PA’s. Every mediator also has to have a PPC (Professional Practice Consultant) and I am very fortunate that mine is also a Family Court Judge.
How do I know you’ll understand?

I understand from my own personal experience that family breakdowns and divorce can be extremely upsetting, confusing and emotional for everyone involved. I can help you apply a solution based approach to the issues you are facing with child arrangements, property and finances.

Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
Eligibility for New Mediation 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. A financial contribution of up to £500 towards the costs of mediation will be provided, if eligible.

Mediation Works

Schedule a call to help solve your family issues

"Julia is kind, understanding and extremely knowledgeable. She put me at ease during a difficult and emotional time. Julia and the team were professional and efficient. Have already recommended to a friend and wouldn't hesitate to do the same again."

Emily T.

Helping families across Kent and nationwide reach calm, amicable agreements through expert family mediation - a more supportive and cost-effective alternative to court. Stay in control of the outcome, with clear guidance and a steady, empathetic approach every step of the way.
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