Mediation is a way to resolve disputes between people without the need to go to court.
If you're separating, divorcing or dissolving a civil partnership, Family Mediation can help you and your ex-partner make arrangements for your children and finances.
If you're involved in a dispute with a neighbour, family member or work colleague a Mediator can work with those involved to identify the issues you don't agree on and help you to try and reach an agreement.
Book a call to learn more about mediation
This telephone conversation with one of our mediation administrators will give you the opportunity to find out more about the mediation process and ask any questions you may have. Some of these may be covered in our FAQ specific to mediation section on our website.
You can then decide if you wish to attend an initial meeting with a family mediator called a MIAM. This meeting with a mediator usually lasts around 45 minutes.
You can book a call to learn more about our mediation services. If you would rather speak to someone sooner then please call 0300 0032324.
The MoJ Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - £500 per case/family
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a time-limited scheme that offers a contribution of up to £500 per case/family to the mediation costs of a child arrangements case. The scheme aims to encourage separating families with children to resolve their disputes outside of court. The scheme is run by the Ministry of Justice Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and is available through accredited family mediation services only. London North West, Hertfordshire, Mid Thames and Bucks | Relate
Find out if you are eligible for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme and how to apply. Call 0300 0032324 or email Mediation@relatentc.org.uk
What is Family Mediation?
Family Mediation offers a safe, confidential environment for you to make arrangements for the future following the end of a relationship. This could be financial issues or discussions about where and with whom your children may live. The law now says that you must consider whether mediation can help before you can take your case to court.
Watch the video below from The Family Mediation Council, a national Family Mediation organisation in England and Wales explaining Family Mediation.
Sorting Out Separation: Parents Working Together
What happens in Family Mediation?
The initial meeting with a trained Mediator takes about 45 minutes via the simple online platform Zoom. The session can be held with both of you or separately and aims to help you decide if mediation is right for you.
After that you will attend joint mediation sessions – usually around 90 minutes – to help you discuss and identify the solutions available to you both. The number of meetings will depend on your individual needs.
When an agreement is reached, your Mediator will provide you with a written summary so that everyone is clear about what has been decided. Your agreement can also be made legally binding by the court.
How can Family Mediation help me?
- Family Mediation gives you more say about what happens.
- It is quicker, cheaper and less stressful than a lengthy court process.
- It is easier on your children – when parents co-operate it helps them maintain important family relationships.
What is the cost of Mediation?
Family Mediation is free if you're on a low income and are eligible for legal aid. You can check if you qualify by using the legal aid checker on gov.uk.
If you're not eligible for legal aid, or if you're looking to use Mediation to resolve another type of dispute, the cost of an initial session is £105 per person.
We're a charity and we don't make any profit from our services so we have to charge a fee for Mediation. Please get in touch with us for further information.
What clients have to say about our Mediation service
We often ask our mediation clients to fill in a questionnaire about their experience with us and to summarise their overall experience with an outline comment.
Quotes from mediation questionnaires:
“Our mediator was very professional, fair and neutral – I felt safe to be in the same room as my ex”
“Our mediator was very helpful and approachable – thanks to her agreements were made”.
“The mediator was professional and knowledgable, she inspired confidence and was easy to deal with. It made it possible for us to reach an agreement which is still working”.
“The mediator interpreted the law, avoided conflict and was unbiased”.
“The mediator was excellent, she listened to both sides, never advised either party to do anything specific just put all the facts down and we came to our own agreement – couldn’t have been better”.
“I see my kids regularly and they have a good relationship with me and my ex, I think that’s thanks to Mediation.”
Solicitor referrals
If you are a solicitor and would like to refer clients for Mediation at Relate London North West & Hertfordshire, Mid Thames & Bucks, please use our referral form.
Solictor Mediation Referal form
Other Mediation services
Mediation can offer an effective solution for many disputes including:
- Between colleagues in the workplace
- Between neighbours in the community
- Between landlords and tenants
- Between health professionals and patients’ family members
- Between families experiencing inheritance or probate issues
One of our experienced Mediators will meet all those involved in the dispute to talk through the options and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. Working together with the Mediator everyone will be involved in further meetings to agree a solution.
MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) Online
Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) Online is a digital service in which a trained mediator can help you determine whether your separation dispute could be resolved through cost-effective mediation before and instead of the courts.
Mediation Herts
Our partners Mediation Herts also offer services across Hertfordshire including mediation in schools, the workplace and local communities as well as conflict coaching and training https://www.mediationherts.org.uk/.
Planning Together For Children
Relate North Thames & Chilterns is proud to be working with Action for Children and CAFCASS to offer the Planning Together for Children Programme.
This course supports parents to think about the needs of their children first when they are working out how they can parent together - despite living apart. For more information please view the planning together for children factsheet. Parents can only attend when instructed by the family court or CAFCASS.
Book an appointment
You can book an appointment to attend Mediation at some of the locations across North West London, Hertfordshire, Mid Thames and Buckinghamshire.
To find out more about Mediation, and to arrange an appointment call us on 0300 003 2324 or enquire using our online booking form.
You can also contact us by email: mediation@relatentc.org.uk
You can also use our Relate chatbot tool help you get through conflicts with your partner or co-parent.
Relate London North West & Herts Mid Thames & Bucks supports Family Mediation Week. Find out more by calling our mediation team 0300 0032324 Option 2 or emailing us at Mediation@relatentc.org.uk
