Child arrangements

Child arrangements mediation for separated parents

Agree where your children will live, how they spend time with each of you and how you will co-parent, with an accredited mediator guiding you.

What child arrangements mediation can cover

Every family is different, and mediation lets you build arrangements around your children’s routines, schools and friendships. It can cover:

Living arrangements: where your children will live and stay overnight.
Time with each parent: weekdays, weekends, school holidays, birthdays and festivals.
Handovers and travel: who collects, where and when.
Decision-making: schooling, health, activities and how you will communicate.

You can record what you agree in a written parenting plan. Where appropriate, your children can also share their views through child-inclusive mediation.

How child arrangements mediation works

Practical, child-focused steps towards arrangements that work for everyone.

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

Step two is a separate MIAM for each parent, 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, to work through each part of your children’s arrangements.

Step four is a written summary or parenting plan of what you have agreed, which you can ask the court to approve as a consent order if you both wish.

Putting your children first

In court, arrangements for your children are decided by a judge who has never met your family. In mediation, you shape them yourselves, and you can adapt them as your children grow and their needs change.

Mediation also helps you find a calmer way of communicating as co-parents, which matters enormously to children after a separation. Your mediator stays impartial and keeps every conversation focused on what is best for your children.

How much does child arrangements mediation cost?

Child arrangements cases are eligible for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which may contribute up to £500 towards your mediation sessions (not the MIAM), subject to eligibility. Legal Aid may cover the full cost if you qualify. 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

Child arrangements mediation FAQs

What is a child arrangements order?

A child arrangements order is a court order setting out who a child lives with and spends time with. Many parents agree these arrangements through mediation without needing an order, but if you do apply to court using a C100 form, you will usually need to attend a MIAM first.

Do we need a court order if we agree in mediation?

Not necessarily. Many parents are happy to follow a written parenting plan. If you would like your agreement to be legally binding, a solicitor can help you ask the court to approve it as a consent order.

Can grandparents use child arrangements mediation?

Yes. Grandparents and other relatives can use mediation to agree time with a child. In most cases they need the court’s permission before applying for a child arrangements order, so mediation is often a sensible first step. Our kinship care mediation page has more for relatives raising a child.

What if we cannot be in the same room?

You do not have to be. Your mediator can hold sessions in separate rooms and move between you, known as shuttle mediation, and sessions can also take place online.

Can our children have a say?

Where appropriate, and with both parents’ agreement, children can speak privately with a specially trained mediator through child-inclusive mediation. They are never asked to make decisions.

What if there are safety concerns?

Your safety, and your children’s, comes first. At your MIAM, your mediator will assess whether there has been, or is a risk of, domestic abuse or harm to a child, and whether mediation is safe and suitable. If it is not, they will explain your other options.

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