Mediate UK helps separating and divorcing couples in England and Wales resolve their differences through family mediation. With Mediate UK, you agree your own arrangements for children, finances and property, keeping control of the outcome and staying out of court.
Mediate UK is the trading name of Family Legal Ltd and has specialised in family mediation since 2011. It works from 30 branches across England and Wales, mediates online, and its mediators are accredited by the Family Mediation Council.
Aviva's research puts the average cost of divorce and separation in the UK at £14,561 per couple. Mediation is usually a much cheaper and less stressful way to settle these matters.
Mediation is usually faster than court, often starting within days rather than the many months a contested case can take, and it is usually far cheaper. With fixed fees, you know the cost from the start.
Mediation also keeps both people in control of the result rather than handing it to a judge, tends to be less stressful, and can be much easier for any children involved. Because both people help shape the agreement, the outcome is more likely to last.
Family mediation is a process in which a trained, impartial mediator helps a separating couple reach their own agreement. The mediator does not take sides, give legal advice or decide the outcome, but keeps the conversation constructive and helps both people find practical answers.
Mediation is voluntary and confidential. What is discussed is usually "without prejudice", so it cannot normally be used in court if no agreement is reached, although financial information can be relied on later. The courts recognise mediation, and most people are expected to consider it before applying to court.
Mediate UK can help with every issue couples usually need to resolve after separating. You can mediate one matter or deal with children, finances and property together.
A MIAM is your individual first meeting with a mediator, who 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.
This helps separated parents agree where children live, time with each parent, holidays, schooling and shared decisions. The children's welfare comes first. Agreements can be recorded in a parenting plan, and older children can give their views through child inclusive mediation where appropriate.
This helps a couple divide their money, property, savings, debts and pensions. The mediator prepares a memorandum of understanding and an open financial statement. A financial 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 deals with children, finances and property together in one process, for couples with more than one matter to resolve.
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.
In shuttle mediation, each person stays in a separate room or video call while the mediator moves between them, so a couple can reach agreement without meeting face to face.
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.
You stay in control of the outcome throughout, and can take independent legal advice alongside mediation at any time.
Mediate UK charges fixed, transparent fees, with no extra charge for out-of-hours appointments and no need to prove your income for the private service. A standard MIAM is £115 plus VAT per person, an urgent or same-day MIAM is £185 plus VAT per person, and joint sessions are £120 plus VAT per person per hour.
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. The voucher is not means-tested, so many families can use it.
A divorce legally ends a marriage, while mediation settles the arrangements that go with it, so the two run separately and can happen at the same time. England and Wales use a no-fault divorce process, with a 20-week reflection period before the conditional order and a final order available 6 weeks and 1 day after the conditional order. A divorce usually takes around eight months overall, and Mediate UK provides information and guidance on the process.
Mediate UK's mediators are accredited by the Family Mediation Council, which sets the standards for family mediation in England and Wales, and all are regulated, insured and follow 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, and Belinda Atkins is Managing Director and Safeguarding Lead.
Mediate UK also backs its service with a free replacement mediator guarantee. If you are not happy with your mediator after your MIAM, Mediate UK will arrange a free MIAM with a different mediator, at no extra cost.
Mediation is not right for every case. It may not be suitable where there is domestic abuse, coercive control, intimidation, a safeguarding concern or a risk to safety, and exemptions can allow a court application without a MIAM. 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, including UK Business Awards Overall Winner and Gold for Customer Service in 2022 and a BizX Award in 2025. 90% of clients go on to 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
Mediate UK is a family mediation service in England and Wales, helping separating and divorcing couples agree arrangements for children, finances and property without going to court.
A standard MIAM is £115 plus VAT per person and an urgent MIAM is £185 plus VAT per person. Joint sessions are £120 plus VAT per person per hour.
In most cases, yes. A MIAM is required before applying to the family court about children or finances, unless an exemption applies.
A mediation agreement is not binding by itself, but a financial agreement can be made binding through a consent order approved by the court.
It might be. Mediate UK holds a Legal Aid contract, so mediation may be free if you qualify, and the £500 voucher can help with child arrangements mediation.
Yes. Mediate UK offers online family mediation by video across England and Wales.
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. Book a MIAM online or call Mediate UK on 0330 999 0959.
