Family Mediation Guides
ONLINE & IN-person FAMILY MEDIATION SERVICES
Practical guidance to help you understand family mediation, parenting arrangements, and the options available when families are navigating change.
The Complete Guide to Family Mediation (2026 Edition)
Family mediation is often described as a calmer, more constructive alternative to court...
How to Create a Child-Focused Parenting Plan That Actually Works (2026)
When parents separate, one of the most important - and often most challenging - tasks is creating a parenting planthat truly supports children....
Mediation vs Court: What Parents in the UK Need to Know (2026)
When parents separate, one of the biggest decisions is how to resolve disagreements about children, finances, and future arrangements....
Why Families Choose Us
At Alliance Family Mediation, we believe in empowering family members to take an active role in shaping their own future. Family mediation is a safe, structured, impartial process that helps separating couples resolve important decisions without the stress, cost or conflict of going to court. Instead of handing control to a judge, mediation allows you to make your own decisions with the support of a trained, neutral mediator.
It’s designed to reduce tension, improve communication and give you a practical way forward – at a pace that feels manageable. Unlike court-imposed rulings, mediation allows families to work collaboratively toward tailor-made, flexible solutions that address their specific concerns. The strength of mediation lies in its emphasis on self-determination – you decide the outcome, not the courts.
Is Mediation Right For You?
You want to avoid court
You prefer a calmer, more private approach
You value having control over the outcomes
You want to protect your children from conflict
How long does it all take?
Mediation is recognised as a quicker, cheaper and less stressful alternative to the court system for separating and divorcing couples.
You both get to decide your outcome, with our support.
What is Mediation – Are the agreements legal?
With our help, agreements can be made in a safe and confidential space to suit both parties. All agreements can then go on to be made into legally binding orders through the courts.
What if I’d rather go to court?
Can a mediator give me a divorce?
No. You’ll need to legally end your marriage or civil partnership, but you won’t have to physically go to court for this. We can support you with the documents you will need to submit, and when to do that.
Do we have to pay for mediation?
Legal aid is available for mediation. This means that if you’re eligible, it might be free for you. We can show you where to go for eligibility checks.
Is mediation about trying to get us to stay together?
No. Mediators are not counsellors, and will not suggest you stay together.
We help you work out what happens when you split up.
Are your mediators regulated?
Yes our mediators are all regulated, and are members of the Family Mediation Council as well as belonging to regulated membership bodies within the ministry of justice. Every regulated mediator must also have a PPC, (professional practice consultant).
How do I know you’ll understand?
MIAM |Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting £150
Court application sign-off £60
(available once you have attended a MIAM)
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The law states that you should attend a MIAM with a family mediator before you submit an application to the courts (unless you are exempt). A MIAM is an individual, confidential meeting between you and the mediator. The mediator will provide you with information about the mediation principles and procedures. You will also be assessed for your suitability for mediation services.
Mediators don’t take sides, make judgements or tell you what you ‘should’ do.
Everything is focused on future solutions, not past conflict
Schedule a call to help solve your family issues
What is Mediation?
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