What is family mediation?

What is family mediation?
How family mediation works

How family mediation works
The mediation agreement
Consent orders

Consent orders

Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM)
Family mediation costs
What is family mediation?

What is family mediation? 

  • Family disputes can feel overwhelming—communication breaks down, positions become entrenched, and it can seem impossible to find a way forward. You may not be looking to repair the relationship, but you do need a practical, workable way to resolve things and move on.

    Family mediation offers a constructive alternative. It is a calm, confidential process where an independent, professional mediator helps you have focused, balanced conversations about what matters most—whether that’s arrangements for children, finances, or day-to-day practicalities. Rather than escalating conflict, mediation creates space for clearer communication and forward-looking solutions.


    At Latitude Mediation, our experienced family mediators support both participants throughout the process. We guide discussions at a pace that works for you, helping you explore options and reach agreements that feel realistic and sustainable—particularly where ongoing co-parenting is involved (including the important members of the family, pets included).


    Mediation recognises that you are best placed to make decisions about your own family. It is a flexible and less formal process, designed to keep matters private while ensuring both voices are heard and respected.


    Where appropriate, mediation can also provide an opportunity for children to have their voices considered through Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM), offering a safe and thoughtful way to reflect their wishes and feelings as part of the wider conversation.

What is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)? 

  • A MIAM is a 1-hour meeting with one of our mediators, during which we will provide you with information about mediation and give you an opportunity to tell us more about your situation and ask questions of us. During the mediation, we will also advise whether we feel mediation would be suitable and appropriate next steps, or signpost you to any other relevant stakeholders who we feel may be more suitable at the current time.

    On completion of your MIAM, assuming the case is appropriate to proceed, we can write to the other participant on your behalf inviting them to attend a MIAM. Once they have attended a MIAM, assuming the case is suitable to proceed, participants simply then need to start their mediation! (See below).


    Importantly, unless there is a valid exemption (such as the need for an urgent court injunction/ prohibited steps order), participants wishing to make a court application for family law orders are actually obliged to attend a MIAM before proceeding to court (you may find our Blog on MIAMs helpful too- https://www.latitudemediation.co.uk/what-is-a-miam-and-is-a-miam-compulsory-why-they-are-compulsory-in-most-family-disputes).


    Please also note that if for any reason Standard Family mediation is not possible, we are Hybrid mediation specialists also - meaning that you can attend a one off mediation with your solicitor even after court proceedings are commenced (see our blog here - https://www.latitudemediation.co.uk/what-is-hybrid-mediation )

Understanding family mediation

What if the other party does not attend a MIAM? 

On completion of your MIAM, on your behalf, Latitude Mediation will invite the other party to the dispute to attend a MIAM. If they do not engage with the process and attend a MIAM, Latitude Mediation will issue a certificate (at no extra charge) to confirm that a MIAM has been attended or that certain exemptions apply (either a C100 or FM1). 

What is a C100 or FM1 Mediation Certificate? 

If mediation is not to proceed, parties will be issued with either a C100 of FM1 ‘certificate’ confirming their attendance. This then allows the individual to proceed to court to commence formal proceedings. 

How long will my C100 or FM1 family mediation certificate last? 

Your mediator will issue a certificate that lasts for four months, meaning that you have that period of time in which to commence any formal proceedings (if necessary). After this time you will simply need to attend a further MIAM in order that we can assess whether mediation remains suitable or if there have been any significant changes during that period.

If I start formal divorce proceedings, can I still use mediation? 

Yes, and any lawyer involved will encourage you to do so in many instances. You are able to mediate at any time prior to the final order being made through either standard family mediation or Hybrid mediation- As specialist Hybrid mediators we can even support you to have a meeting even if 'standard mediation' is not appropriate/ possible- Hybrid mediation permits layers to attend with participants in a slightly different format (usually a one off mediation instead of staggered standard mediation). See our blog here- What is Hybrid Mediation.

How family mediation works

How family mediation works 

  • Once the MIAMs are complete, parties should then be able to proceed promptly to mediation and joint sessions will be arranged. Parties then simply need to attend the joint sessions (usually only 2-4 sessions).

    In the event that the mediator does not feel that the case is suitable for mediation/or parties do not wish to proceed after the MIAM, the relevant Mediation Certificate (C100 and FM1) will be signed, giving participants 4 months in which to start formal proceedings.  However, we can still support you in attending a Hybrid Mediation (which allows you both to bring lawyers to a one off session).

What does family mediation involve? 

  • Simply put, family mediation is a way for parties in dispute to engage in dialogue with each other in a safe space with the support and guidance of a professionally trained mediator.

    During mediation parties come together to create solutions to their problems and develop agreements that everyone can live with. No matter where it takes place, it's important to be respectful and open, whilst also being honest and expressing yourself clearly, with our mediator supporting you throughout. 


    Mediation allows you all to come together in one space. You don't have to travel great distances, or even leave your home. 

Can I refuse family mediation? 

  • Mediation is a voluntary process—you are not required to take part, nor to continue if it does not feel appropriate or effective for you.

    However, if you do not attend a MIAM and either participant applies to court, you may be asked to explain why you have not engaged in mediation. Attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns with a mediator and receive tailored guidance on the most suitable next steps.


    If mediation is not appropriate in your circumstances, the mediator can record this in a mediation certificate, confirming to the court that you have considered the process but that it was not suitable in your case.

Do I have to be in the same room as the person I am in mediation with? 

  • At Latitude Mediation we adapt every mediation towards your individual needs. With face to face and online mediations available, we can help parties in joint or private (shuttle) sessions – you don’t have to spend time with the person you are in mediation with if you choose not to. Please do not worry, our mediators are here to support you!


The mediation agreement

The mediation agreement 

  • The participants control all elements of the eventual settlement agreement; a signed, binding document capturing how the matter(s) in dispute is to be resolved by reference to various assurances, promises, actions, undertakings, and so on. Parties can then move forward in the knowledge that formal contentious legal proceedings have been avoided, and hopefully agreement reached in respect of how parties will communicate with each other going forwards.

    Once the mediation process comes to an end, your mediator will issue you with A Statement of Outcome, containing a summary of your final agreements; or an MOU (a memorandum of understanding between two parties), which sets out your final agreements. 


    In order to make the resolution ‘legally binding’ (if required), parties may wish to apply to court to ask the judge to turn the document into a Consent Order. In the event that no agreement is reached, parties will receive a note from the mediator explaining that no agreement has been possible. This note will then evidence the parties attempt at mediation and parties will then (probably) consider instigating more formal proceedings. 


What happens if parties do not reach agreement? 

  • If a full settlement does not transpire from the participants’ efforts to mediate, the mediation should still be expected to help narrow, dilute or dispense with some aspects of the matter(s) in dispute. In this way mediation will mitigate/reduce the ongoing cost of any formal proceedings, which will recommence in the event that settlement efforts are not successful.

    If full agreement is not reached the mediator will sign the relevant court certificate in order to provide evidence of the mediation. Parties may then wish to seek formal legal advice and/or commence court proceedings directly. 

Can I stop the mediation if I need a break? 

  • Mediation is deliberately intended to be less formal (and less stressful) than formal court proceedings and parties can take a break whenever they wish!

    Parties may also simply wish to postpone the mediation in order to allow positions to settle a little. Parties will have an opportunity at the end of each session to agree the most convenient time for any further meetings. 

What happens if things change? 

It is important to remember that life events may mean that your agreements have to be reviewed at times. You are very welcome to return to mediation again in the future in order to renegotiate your arrangements, and many parties find this reassuring. 

Consent orders

Consent orders 

  • If you reach agreement in mediation—whether about children, finances, or other practical arrangements—you have the option of formalising that agreement in a Consent Order through the court.

     This is often particularly relevant for financial matters, where a legally binding outcome is important.


    One of the key advantages of mediation is the ability to shape bespoke, practical solutions that reflect your family’s individual circumstances, rather than having an outcome imposed by the court. Agreements reached in mediation are often more workable and sustainable because they are built collaboratively, with both parties’ input.

    Mediation is also typically far quicker and more cost-effective than court proceedings. It allows you to resolve matters in a more flexible and private setting, avoiding much of the delay, formality, and expense associated with litigation.


    Where parties do wish to formalise their agreement, mediators will prepare clear summary documents during the process. These can then be provided to a solicitor to convert into a Consent Order for submission to the court, giving you the reassurance of a legally binding arrangement while retaining the benefits of a resolution reached outside of court.

Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM)

Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) 

  • It is not always easy for parties to understand what the view of the children may be. With Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM), participants can ensure that their child’s voice is heard. CIM enables parents to understand and to accommodate any concerns that a child may have, that they had otherwise not been aware of.

    Older children in particular may wish have their voice and opinions 'heard' by parents, and what that ‘involvement’ looks like will vary in each case. This can often involve parents/carers speaking with the child, but sometimes, parties may prefer for the mediator to support them with these conversations. 


    We have successfully worked with hundreds of childrens over the years in various forms of mediation and we will discuss CIM options with you during the MIAM. Participants can then consider whethey they would like us to meet with your child(ren).


    (Please note we also provide CIM packages for families using mediators who do not have CIM qualified personnel - feel free to reach out for further information).

Family mediation costs

  • How much does family mediation cost?

    Mediation is a highly cost effective way to resolve disputes. Latitude Mediation will support you with highly skilled mediators are a very competitive price point. 


    With your first (compulsory) Mediation Assessment Information Meeting (MIAM) costing just £120. 


    If your case includes discussions around children, you are likely to be entitled to the Ministry of Justice discount Voucher whic provides £500 (£250 per person) towards your joint sessions. We will apply for this on your behalf.


    Although each case varies, experience suggests that most child only cases conclude within 2 or sometimes 3 sessions. More complex financial disputes may benefit from an additional session.



  • Do I have to attend a MIAM before I attend mediation?

    You must attend a MIAM before making an application to the family court (unless one of the exemptions applies eg urgent welfare or domestic violence or the threat of a child being taken from the jurisdiction).


    Our MIAMs cost just £120 and can be booked directly online at a time that is convenient to you. 


    During the MIAM your mediator will find out more about the issues inthe matter, be able to signpost you to other services or support (if necessary). Your mediator will then contact the other participant on your behalf to invite them to mediation.

  • Can I claim legal aid?

    We do not support legal aid work anymore and so would encourage you to liaise with a larger national organisation if you believe you are entitle to funding.


    We do offer the MOJ voucher scheme which provides a £500 discount for participants (£250 per person).



  • Can I claim £500 off my mediation through the mediation voucher scheme?

    If your dispute includes issues relating to child arrangements, then it is very likely we can apply for the £500 voucher for you. 


    We will be able to provide some more details on the scheme during your MIAM. However, as Latitude Mediation is registered for the government funded Mediation Voucher Scheme, we will do all the hard work for you and simply deduct the monies from your invoice!




  • How much does Hybrid Mediation Cost

    We will provide a bespoke package for clients along with a complimentary initial meeting with solicitors/ any other professionals engaged.


    Mediators fees are likely to be around £600 - £1200 depending on the length of your session(s).

Family mediation enquiries