What Is Family Mediation

Family mediation is a safe, supportive way for separating couples and families to reach agreements about children, finances, and property — without the stress, cost, and delay of going to court. A trained, neutral mediator helps both people communicate, identify what needs to be resolved, and work towards practical solutions they both accept.

With a large proportion of UK marriages ending in divorce, more families are choosing mediation and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution to navigate separation more calmly. At Digital MIAM, our mediators are professionally trained and FMC-registered, and the entire process is delivered online — so you can take part from home, at a time that works for you.

What family mediation involves

In mediation, an independent mediator helps you communicate more effectively, identify the issues that need resolving, and explore possible options and outcomes. Crucially, the mediator does not take sides and does not decide anything for you. Unlike court, you stay in control throughout — you shape the outcome, not a judge.

What mediation is not

Mediation is not counselling or therapy, and it is not legal advice. It is not about forcing agreement, and the mediator does not impose a decision. It is best understood as facilitated negotiation: the mediator helps, and the two of you decide.

What can be discussed

Family mediation can cover arrangements for children, communication and co-parenting, financial matters following separation or divorce, and property and housing. Not every issue is suitable for mediation, and suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis — which is exactly what the first meeting, the MIAM, is for.

How it works

Every situation is different, but mediation generally follows a clear path. Each person first attends a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). If mediation is suitable and both agree, joint sessions are arranged. Discussions take place with the mediator's support, and any agreement is recorded in writing — for example in a Memorandum of Understanding or Parenting Plan — which can be made legally binding through the court if needed.

Is it legally binding?

Mediation itself is not legally binding, but agreements reached in mediation can be formalised afterwards — for financial matters, by converting a Memorandum of Understanding into a consent order through the court.

Start with a MIAM

Mediation begins with a MIAM, and that is where Digital MIAM comes in. Our online MIAMs start at £95, are held by FMC-registered mediators, and give you an honest assessment of whether mediation could work for you — with no obligation to proceed. When you are ready, you can book in minutes.