SOLENT FAMILY MEDIATION MAIDSTONE
For families in Maidstone and across the UK considering mediation as an alternative to court, a few key questions consistently arise regarding the process, cost, and legal standing.
For families in Maidstone and across the UK considering mediation as an alternative to court, a few key questions consistently arise regarding the process, cost, and legal standing.
Yes, in most cases. Before you can make an application to the Family Court regarding children or financial matters (excluding divorce itself), you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
The purpose of the MIAM is for a mediator to explain the process and assess whether mediation is suitable for your case. If mediation is deemed unsuitable (e.g., due to domestic violence or urgency), the mediator signs a form (Form C100 or Form FM1) that allows you to proceed to court.
The cost varies significantly depending on the service provider and the complexity of your case. However, it is almost always significantly cheaper than using solicitors to exchange lengthy correspondence or going to court.
MIAM: a fixed fee £120.
Joint Sessions: £120 per person per hour.
Legal Aid and Vouchers: You may be eligible for Legal Aid to cover the entire cost of mediation if you are financially eligible. Additionally, the government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may cover up to £500 of joint mediation costs, usually in cases involving children.
No. A mediator must remain neutral and impartial. They cannot offer you specific legal advice (e.g., “you should ask for half of the pension”). They can, however, provide general legal information and help ensure any agreement is within the range of what a court might consider reasonable.
It is highly recommended that both parties seek independent legal advice from a solicitor before, during, and after the mediation process.
Mediation is much faster than the court system. While court proceedings can take 12–18 months, mediation typically takes:
Children Only: 1 to 2 joint sessions.
Finance/Property: 2 to 3 joint sessions.
The process often concludes in 2 to 4 months from the initial MIAM to reaching a final agreement (Memorandum of Understanding).
No, not automatically. The documents produced by the mediator (the Memorandum of Understanding and the Open Financial Statement) are a statement of intent. To make the agreement legally binding and enforceable, you must instruct solicitors to draft the agreement into a formal Consent Order for financial matters or a Parental Agreement for child matters, and have the Consent Order approved by the Family Court.
If you’re exploring family mediation in Maidstone, you’re not alone—many parents and separating couples have similar questions about how mediation works, what it costs, and how it can help resolve child or financial disputes. Solent Mediation Maidstone is here to provide clear, reassuring answers and guide you through every step of the process.
Our accredited mediators offer a calm, confidential space where you can discuss arrangements constructively and avoid the stress of going to court. Whether you’re concerned about child contact, property division, or communication, we’re ready to help. Complete our contact form today or call us on 0238 161 1051 to book your initial appointment.
We offer mediation hubs around the Solent Region.
Offering Civil and Family Mediation, Legal Aid Mediation.
Strictly by Appointment Only.
Location is not staffed.
Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can be arranged online
Our Maidstone Hub – Find us at;
39-48 Marsham Street, Maidstone ME14 1HH
Call our team to book your mediation on 0238 161 1051