Family mediation without direct contact
Shuttle mediation.
Shuttle mediation can help when direct communication has broken down and it would be difficult, unsuitable or too stressful for both people to be in the same room or online meeting.
Unable to communicate?
Relationship broken down?
Need child arrangements?
Want to avoid court where possible?
Do I need to see my ex to mediate?
Not always. Shuttle mediation allows the mediator to speak to each person separately while helping both sides explore practical options.
What is shuttle mediation?
A way to mediate when direct communication is difficult.
Family disputes can be difficult when emotions are high or communication has completely broken down. Shuttle mediation gives each person a separate space. The mediator moves between both people, carrying proposals, questions and responses between them.
This can be useful where being in the same room or online call would make the conversation harder, but both people are still willing to try mediation.
Why shuttle mediation may help
Useful where normal mediation would feel too difficult.
Separate spaces
Each person can speak to the mediator separately without having to sit with the other person.
Reduced tension
Keeping people separate can reduce confrontation and make it easier to focus on practical arrangements.
Flexible process
The mediator can adapt the pace and structure of the conversation to suit the situation.
Private discussions
Each person can explain concerns to the mediator separately while the mediator manages what is shared.
Child-focused decisions
Shuttle mediation can help parents discuss child arrangements where direct discussion is not working.
Court alternative
Where suitable, mediation may help avoid unnecessary court escalation and keep decisions with the people involved.
How shuttle mediation works
A mediator carries the conversation between separate rooms.
- Initial enquiry: You contact us to explain the issue and ask whether shuttle mediation may be suitable.
- MIAM assessment: The mediator discusses your circumstances and considers whether mediation is appropriate.
- Separate rooms: If mediation proceeds, each person remains separate while the mediator moves between them.
- Options and proposals: The mediator helps pass proposals and responses between both people.
- Next steps: Where agreement is reached, points can be recorded. If mediation cannot continue, the mediator can explain available next steps.
Will I need a MIAM?
If you are considering family court proceedings, you may need a MIAM unless an exemption applies. The mediator can explain whether mediation, shuttle mediation or another step may be suitable.
How long will it take?
The number of sessions depends on the issues, the level of conflict and how much progress can be made. Shuttle mediation can sometimes take longer because the mediator is moving between separate conversations.
Shuttle mediation questions
Is shuttle mediation suitable for every case?
No. The mediator will consider suitability, including safeguarding, risk, willingness to participate and whether mediation can take place safely and fairly.
Can shuttle mediation be online?
Yes, shuttle mediation can often take place online where suitable. The mediator can keep both people in separate online rooms or calls.
Will the mediator tell the other person everything I say?
The mediator will manage what information is shared. You can discuss with the mediator what may be passed on and what should remain private, subject to safeguarding and legal obligations.
Can shuttle mediation help with children arrangements?
Yes, where suitable. Shuttle mediation can help parents discuss parenting time, handovers, holidays, communication and other child-focused arrangements.
Mediation locations
Find Solent Family Mediation support.
You can contact the team directly or view location pages for more information.
Need shuttle mediation?
Contact Solent Family Mediation to discuss whether shuttle mediation, a MIAM, online mediation or another route may be suitable.