The Family Mediation Project is a free, independent educational resource for anyone facing separation, divorce, or a family dispute in England and Wales. It exists to answer the questions people have when they first hear words like "MIAM," "FM1," or "child arrangements order" — clearly, calmly, and without jargon. It is the sister resource to Digital MIAM, and the two work hand in hand: the Project helps you understand your options, and Digital MIAM helps you act on them.

What The Family Mediation Project is

The Family Mediation Project is a plain-English information library covering the whole family mediation journey — what a MIAM is and whether you need one, how mediation works, what happens at each stage, how much it costs, the exemptions that apply, and how mediation compares to court. Every page is written to be read on a phone in a difficult moment, with clear summaries and straightforward answers. It is purely educational: it does not sell mediation, take sides, or give legal advice. Its content is edited and overseen by Romina Kamran, an FMC-accredited family mediator and Professional Practice Consultant, so the information you read is grounded in genuine professional expertise.

How it helps

Most people encounter the family court system for the first time at a stressful moment, and the language can be overwhelming. The Family Mediation Project helps by demystifying the process — explaining what each term means, what the law actually requires, and what your realistic options are. It helps you understand whether you need a MIAM, whether an exemption might apply, what to expect on the day, and what happens afterwards. Because it references credible authorities such as the Family Mediation Council, the Ministry of Justice, HMCTS, and CAFCASS, you can trust that what you read reflects how the system genuinely works. The goal is simple: to help you make informed, confident decisions rather than feeling pushed or confused.

Why it was created

The Family Mediation Project was created to fill a gap. Reliable, genuinely accessible information about family mediation has long been hard to find — scattered across dense legal pages, official documents, and paywalled advice. Many people arrive at mediation or court without ever understanding that a calmer, cheaper, and less adversarial route was open to them. The Project was built to change that: to give everyone, regardless of income, free access to clear information about mediation and their options before making decisions that affect their family and finances. This matters especially in the context of reduced legal aid, where fewer people have easy access to professional guidance.

How it works alongside Digital MIAM

The two sites play complementary roles. The Family Mediation Project is where you learn, at your own pace, with no pressure to decide anything. Digital MIAM is where you take action when you are ready — booking an online MIAM with an FMC-registered mediator, from £95, often the same day. Many people begin by reading, not deciding, and that is exactly how the Project is designed to be used. When you have the information you need and feel ready to take the first step, Digital MIAM is here to help you move forward.