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+ details >>Mediate UK is a family mediation service for couples who are separating or divorcing in England and Wales. Mediate UK helps people agree arrangements for their children, money and property without going to court.
Mediate UK trades as part of Family Legal Ltd and has worked in family mediation since 2011, giving the team 15 years of experience.
Aviva research puts the average cost of divorce and separation in the UK at £14,561 per couple. Family mediation usually costs far less than settling the same issues through court.
Family mediation is a way of resolving disputes where a trained, independent mediator helps a separating couple reach agreement.
The mediator stays neutral. The mediator does not take sides, give legal advice, or impose a decision. The mediator helps both people understand the issues and find workable solutions.
Family mediation is voluntary and confidential. Discussions are usually held on a "without prejudice" basis, so they cannot normally be used in court if no agreement is reached. Financial disclosure is the exception and can be relied on later.
The family courts recognise mediation. Most people are expected to consider mediation before they ask a court to decide about children or finances.
Mediate UK covers every common issue a couple needs to resolve after separation. You can mediate a single issue or deal with children, finances and property together.
A MIAM is the first meeting with a family mediator. At a MIAM, the mediator explains how mediation works and assesses whether it is suitable and safe for you.
A MIAM is required before most court applications about children or finances, unless an exemption applies. This includes applications made on a C100 form or a Form A. A standard MIAM costs £115 plus VAT per person, and an urgent or same-day MIAM costs £185 plus VAT per person.
Child arrangements mediation helps separated parents agree how to care for their children. It can cover where children live, the time they spend with each parent, holidays, schooling and how decisions are made.
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 helps couples divide money, property, savings, debts and pensions. The mediator helps both people set out their full finances and reach a settlement that is fair to both.
If agreement is reached, the mediator prepares a memorandum of understanding and an open financial statement. A financial agreement is not automatically binding, but it can be made legally binding through a consent order approved by the court. Joint mediation sessions cost £120 plus VAT per person per hour.
All-issues mediation deals with children, finances and property in a single process. It suits couples who have more than one matter to settle after separation or divorce.
Mediate UK offers mediation by video across England and Wales. Online mediation suits people who live apart, prefer to meet remotely, or cannot easily attend an office.
In shuttle mediation, each person stays in a separate room or video call. The mediator moves between them, so the couple can reach agreement without meeting face to face. This can help where being in the same room is not appropriate or comfortable.
Most people start by booking a MIAM, and appointments are usually available within 48 hours. Urgent MIAMs are usually available the same day or the next day. You can book online or call Mediate UK on 0330 999 0959.
You remain in control at every stage. Nothing is decided for you, and you can take independent legal advice alongside mediation.
90% of Mediate UK clients reach an agreement, against a national average of 74%.
Mediate UK offers fixed, transparent fees with no extra charge for out-of-hours appointments. You do not need to prove your income to use the private service.
Mediate UK can turn a mediated agreement into a legally binding consent order for a fixed fee, and offers separate fixed-fee legal advice where it is needed.
If you are not happy with your mediator after your MIAM, Mediate UK arranges a free replacement MIAM with a different mediator.
Mediate UK has 30 branches across 18 counties in England and Wales, and also provides online mediation wherever you are based.
Mediate UK holds a Legal Aid Agency contract for family mediation. If you qualify financially, your mediation may be free. Eligibility depends on income, benefits and savings. Where one person qualifies, the MIAM and the first joint session are usually free for both people.
Mediate UK is a registered provider for the Government £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. The scheme can put up to £500 towards eligible mediation about child arrangements. Mediate UK will confirm whether your case qualifies.
Mediate UK mediators are accredited by the Family Mediation Council, which sets the standards for family mediation in England and Wales. All mediators are regulated, insured and follow the FMC Code of Practice.
The team includes Amanda Lewis, an FMC Professional Practice Consultant, which is the most senior accreditation level in family mediation. Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, is the named author of Mediate UK's guides and content.
Mediation is not right for every situation. It may not be suitable where there is domestic abuse, coercive control, intimidation, a safeguarding concern or any risk to safety. Exemptions can allow a court application without a MIAM first.
Mediation also depends on both people taking part willingly and being open about their finances. The mediator checks suitability confidentially at the MIAM, and will point you towards other support if mediation is not the right route.
Mediate UK has won six national business awards. These include UK Business Awards Overall Winner and Gold for Customer Service in 2022, and a BizX Award in 2025.
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
If you are separating or divorcing, Mediate UK can help you agree arrangements for your children, finances and property without going to court. Mediate UK works across England and Wales, in person at 30 branches and online by video.
You can book a MIAM online or call Mediate UK on 0330 999 0959.