Family mediation in Southampton
Solent Family Mediation Southampton.
Confidential, voluntary and constructive mediation for separating or divorcing families in Southampton. We help with child arrangements, finances, property, MIAMs and practical next steps without immediately moving into court conflict.
Recently separated?
Need child arrangements?
Discussing finances?
Want to avoid court where possible?
A calmer way to resolve family disputes.
Mediation gives separating families a structured space to talk through difficult issues, understand options and work towards practical agreements.
What can Solent mediation help with?
Support for children, finances, property and separation decisions.
Southampton families can use mediation to discuss child arrangements, financial settlements, the family home, pensions, debts, child maintenance and communication after separation.
The mediator is impartial. They do not take sides or make decisions for you. Their role is to help both people identify the issues, communicate safely and explore workable options.
Southampton mediation services
Workable solutions across the main areas of separation.
Arrangements for children
Discuss where children live, time with each parent, holidays, schooling decisions, handovers and communication between co-parents.
Financial settlements
Work through property, savings, investments, pensions, debts, income and future financial needs in a structured way.
Divorce and separation steps
Understand the mediation process, court forms, MIAM requirements and the next steps available if mediation is not suitable.
Child maintenance
Discuss practical payment arrangements for a child’s care and how maintenance sits alongside wider parenting and financial arrangements.
Child Inclusive Mediation
Where appropriate, children may be given a safe and confidential space to share their views with a trained mediator.
Online appointments
Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can be arranged online, which can make the process easier to access around work, childcare and travel.
Why families choose mediation
Mediation keeps decisions with the family, not the court.
Family mediation focuses on practical, future-facing arrangements. It can reduce conflict, save time and help parents build more workable communication after separation.
- You stay involved in shaping the outcome.
- The process is confidential, subject to safeguarding and legal exceptions.
- Mediation is usually quicker than contested court proceedings.
- Discussions can be child-focused and practical.
- Online or shuttle mediation may be available where direct meetings are difficult.
The first step
Start with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting.
1. The MIAM
Before applying to the Family Court for many child or financial orders, you usually need to attend a MIAM unless an exemption applies.
2. Suitability check
The mediator explains the process, checks whether mediation is suitable, discusses safeguarding and considers whether funding may be available.
3. Court form if needed
If mediation is unsuitable or does not proceed, the mediator can sign the relevant form for a court application, such as C100 or Form A.
Cost and financial support
Mediation is usually more cost-effective than court proceedings.
Costs are usually paid by each participant. Funding may be available through Legal Aid or the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme where the case qualifies.
| Service | Estimated cost per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIAM | £120 or free via Legal Aid | Usually lasts around 45–60 minutes. |
| Joint mediation sessions | £120 per person per hour, or funded where eligible | Sessions usually last 90 minutes to 2 hours. |
| Drafting documents | Separate fee | May include a Memorandum of Understanding or Open Financial Statement. |
Legal Aid
If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may qualify for Legal Aid. This can cover your MIAM, mediation sessions and agreement documentation. If you qualify, the other person’s MIAM and first joint session may also be covered.
Mediation Voucher Scheme
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may provide up to £500 towards joint mediation sessions for eligible child arrangement cases. Your mediator will assess whether your case qualifies and apply on your behalf.
Southampton mediation hub
Appointments are strictly by arrangement.
We offer mediation hubs around the Solent region. Our Southampton hub is available by appointment only and is not staffed for walk-ins. Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can also be arranged online.
- Family mediation
- Legal Aid mediation
- Urgent MIAM appointments
- Online mediation appointments
- Strictly by appointment only
Southampton Hub: Winton St, Southampton SO14 1LF
Southampton mediation questions
Do I need a MIAM before applying to court?
In many child or financial family court applications, a MIAM is required unless an exemption applies. The mediator can explain the process and assess whether mediation is suitable.
Can mediation help with both children and finances?
Yes. Mediation can cover child arrangements, parenting schedules, finances, property, pensions, debts and wider separation issues where mediation is suitable.
Is the Southampton location staffed?
No. The Southampton hub is strictly by appointment only. Appointments should be arranged in advance by phone or through the contact form.
Can appointments be online?
Yes. Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can be arranged online where suitable.
Need family mediation in Southampton?
Speak to Solent Family Mediation about MIAMs, child arrangements, financial mediation, Legal Aid, the voucher scheme and online appointments.