A Better Way to Resolve Finances and Child Arrangements in London

Yes — in most cases you do need to attend a MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting) before making a family court application.
This applies to both child arrangements and financial matters after separation or divorce.

At your MIAM, an accredited family mediator explains the process, assesses whether mediation is suitable, and can sign the relevant court form if mediation is not appropriate or does not proceed.

There are some exemptions, and you can check these using Mediate UK’s free MIAM Calculator:
 https://www.mediateuk.co.uk/do-i-need-a-miam/

Courts are increasingly expecting people to try mediation or make reasonable attempts to resolve matters before applying.
In some cases, judges have ordered legal costs against a person who has unreasonably refused to consider mediation or alternative dispute resolution.

We offer MIAM appointments online within 48 hours or in person at our London offices.

Feeling comfortable with your mediator is important. If you don’t connect with your mediator at your MIAM, Mediate UK will replace your mediator and offer you a second MIAM completely free of charge.

This means you can book with confidence, knowing you always have a choice and you’ll only continue with someone you feel comfortable working with.

All our mediators are accredited, impartial and experienced, and we’ll always match you with someone suited to your situation.

You can book your MIAM online in under two minutes.

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme offers £500 towards the cost of child-focused mediation, including sessions about child arrangements or parenting issues after separation. It includes Grandparents who want to see their children. 
It is not means-tested, and most families in London qualify.

If your case is eligible, your mediator will apply for the voucher on your behalf after both MIAMs have taken place. The £500 is then deducted from your joint mediation fees, helping keep the overall cost much lower than going to court.

London Mediation Service, as a partner of Mediate UK, is a fully registered provider of the voucher scheme.

You can book your MIAM online in under two minutes.

Yes. Legal aid is now available for family mediation through London Mediation Service, as part of Family Legal Ltd, which holds a contract with the Legal Aid Agency. If you are eligible, all of your mediation could be completely free.

If you’re unsure whether you may qualify for Legal Aid, we can still discuss your situation at your MIAM and advise on the next steps. Many families also benefit from the £500 Family Mediation Voucher, which is not means-tested and can significantly reduce costs for child-focused mediation.

You can book a FREE 15-minute consultation to check if you are unsure. 

Yes — you can choose the option that works best for you.
We offer online mediation appointments within 48 hours, or you can meet in person at our London offices in Waterloo, St Pancras or Sutton.

Both options follow the same process and are equally recognised by the family court. Many clients prefer online mediation for convenience, while others appreciate the privacy of meeting face-to-face in one of our London rooms.

Whichever you choose, your mediator will guide you through the process in a calm, structured and confidential way.

In person mediation is more expensive as we have to hire a room and pay for the mediator’s travel costs. Because of this, most people book their MIAM online to start the process. 

Most people can start within 48 hours by booking their MIAM online or in person. For urgent cases where you need a court form as a priority, you can choose our Urgent MIAM service.

The number of sessions needed depends on what you need to resolve, but many families reach agreements in 2–3 mediation meetings, particularly for child arrangements. Financial matters may take a little longer, but mediation is much faster, less stressful and more affordable than going to court.

Your mediator will guide the pace with you, making sure you move forward in a way that feels clear, structured and manageable.

You can book your MIAM online in under two minutes.

Attending a MIAM is still very useful, even if mediation doesn’t continue.
In most cases, you need a MIAM before you can apply to the family court, and it opens up your options for this,  not just mediation.

If the other person declines to attend, doesn’t respond or if the mediator decides mediation isn’t suitable, we can still issue the relevant court form to show you have made a genuine attempt to resolve matters amicably.

Courts increasingly expect people to act reasonably, consider mediation and try to resolve issues before applying.
Judges can take this into account when looking at conduct or legal costs.

So even if mediation doesn’t go ahead, your MIAM is rarely wasted as it gives you clarity, shows the court you have acted responsibly, and enables you to move forward with the next step.

You can book your MIAM online in under two minutes.