Family mediation

Family mediation for children, finances and property

Accredited family mediators helping separating families across England and Wales reach fair, lasting agreements, in person in Plymouth or online.

What our family mediation service covers

Family mediation can help with almost any decision that needs making when a family changes shape:

Child arrangements: where children will live, time with each parent, holidays and handovers.
Finances and property: the family home, savings, pensions, debts and child maintenance.
Communication between parents: agreeing how you will co-parent and share information.
Grandparents and wider family: keeping important relationships in your children’s lives.

If you are divorcing, our divorce mediation brings all of this together, and every case begins with a MIAM.

How family mediation works

Four clear steps from your first free call to an agreement your whole family can work with.

Step one is a free initial phone consultation, where we listen to your situation and check whether you qualify for Legal Aid.

Step two is a separate MIAM for each of you, to make sure mediation is safe and suitable and explain how it works.

Step three brings you together for joint sessions in Plymouth or online, or in separate rooms if you prefer, while your mediator guides the conversation.

Step four is a written record of what you have agreed, such as a Memorandum of Understanding, which a solicitor can turn into a legally binding consent order for financial matters.

Family mediation keeps the decisions in your hands

In family mediation, you and your former partner make the decisions, not a judge. An impartial, accredited mediator keeps conversations calm and focused, helps you understand each other’s priorities and keeps your children’s needs at the centre.

It is usually quicker and far less expensive than going to court, it is confidential, and it helps build the working relationship that co-parenting needs for years to come. Mediation is voluntary, and you can take independent legal advice at any stage.

How much does family mediation cost?

You may not have to pay at all. If you qualify for Legal Aid, family mediation is FREE, and the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may contribute up to £500 towards mediation about child arrangements, subject to eligibility. If you do not qualify, our transparent fees are listed below:

MIAM: £120 + VAT per person
Mediation Meeting: £120 + VAT per person per hour
Summary: £60
Open Financial Statement: £80 per person
Memorandum of Understanding: £80 per person
MIAM certificate (C100 or Form A): £50 + VAT per form

* all prices are excluding VAT

Family mediation FAQs

Who is family mediation for?

Family mediation supports separating parents, divorcing couples and couples who lived together, as well as grandparents, adult siblings and parents with adult children who are finding it hard to communicate with one another.

Do I have to try mediation before going to court?

Before applying to court about children or finances, you will usually need to attend a MIAM, unless an exemption applies. Mediation itself is voluntary, and nobody can be forced to reach an agreement.

Is family mediation free?

It can be. If you qualify for Legal Aid, your mediation is free, and the other person is also entitled to a free MIAM. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may also contribute up to £500 towards mediation about child arrangements. Call us free on 0800 669 6109 to check your eligibility.

Is an agreement reached in mediation legally binding?

Not on its own. Your mediator will write up what you have agreed, and for financial matters a solicitor can turn this into a consent order for the court to approve, which makes it legally binding.

How long does family mediation take?

It depends on how many issues you need to resolve and how quickly you are able to reach agreement. Your MIAM takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and your mediator will talk you through what to expect once they understand your situation.

Can we have family mediation online?

Yes. Our online mediation service is available to anyone living in England and Wales, using Zoom, FaceTime or WhatsApp, or you can meet us in person at our Plymouth office.

What if there has been domestic abuse?

Your safety comes first. At your MIAM, your mediator will assess whether there has been, or is a risk of, domestic abuse and whether mediation is safe and suitable. If it is not, they will explain your other options, and exemptions from the MIAM requirement may apply.

Don't just take our word for it

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 14 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Matthew New 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "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."
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Brenna Pearson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So professional, helpful and kind. Thank you to Sam for all her help.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Lisa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jmicster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Gabriella Cordiner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Richard Baker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Tee J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Timothy Rumbelow 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Compassionate and caring - totally recomended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Mark Steele 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
  
  
 
    Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified that these reviews were published on First Steps Family Mediation's Google Business Profile. Learn more