Family mediation is a confidential, voluntary, and constructive process where an impartial third party (the mediator) helps separating or divorcing couples in Southampton resolve disputes related to children, finances, and property without going to court.
Southampton-based Solent mediators are trained to help families negotiate workable solutions across all areas of separation:
Arrangements for Children: Where children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent (contact), holidays, and schooling decisions.
Financial Settlements: Division of assets, including the family home, savings, investments, pensions, and debts.
Divorce or Separation Formalities: Discussing the legal process and ensuring both parties understand the necessary steps.
Child Maintenance: Establishing or adjusting payments for the child’s care (often using the Child Maintenance Service formula as a guideline).
Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM): Giving children a safe, confidential space to share their views with the mediator, which are then relayed to the parents (with the child’s permission).By focusing on collaboration and mutual agreement, Solent Family Mediation helps families reach amicable solutions that prioritise the well-being of all involved, especially the children. Their services are designed to reduce stress, save time and money, and foster better communication and cooperation between co-parents.
Find out why Family Mediation is the best solution for resolving disputes around divorce and child access
Creatin child arrangements orders through family mediation involves addressing parental responsibility and ensuring the child’s best interests are prioritised. During mediation, parents can receive legal advice and professional advice to develop a parenting plan that outlines the terms of the order, including medical treatment and specific issues. In cases involving domestic abuse or child abuse, exceptional circumstances may require a formal application to the court. Legal aid and financial help may be available to cover court fees and legal representation.
The process begins with a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM).This first meeting can go a long way to helping you understand the issues that need to be disuccsed. The local authority and family court advisory services, such as CAFCASS, play a crucial role in assessing the family’s situation. If an informal agreement cannot be reached, a court order or specific issue order may be issued. Enforcement proceedings can be initiated in case of a breach of the order, and an enforcement order may be necessary. The complexity of the case and the need for a written statement detailing relevant details will determine the final order. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve the best possible child arrangements, ensuring the child’s safety and wellbeing.
Before applying to the Family Court in Southampton for most child or financial orders, you must first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
The MIAM is an individual meeting where the mediator assesses whether your case is suitable for mediation, explains the process, and checks if you qualify for Legal Aid.
If mediation is not suitable or the other party refuses to engage, the mediator will sign the necessary form (such as the C100 or Form A) allowing you to proceed with a court application.
Mediation is generally significantly faster and more cost-effective than taking a case through the family court system. Costs are typically split between the parties.
1. Typical Costs (Per Person) Our Mediation fees in the Southampton area.
| Service | Estimated Cost (Per Person) | Note |
| MIAM (Individual Meeting) | £120 or Free via Legal Aid | Usually lasts for 45–60 minutes. |
| Joint Mediation Sessions | £120 per person per hour or Free Via Legal Aid or Voucher Scheme | Sessions usually last 90 minutes to 2 hours. |
| Drafting Documents | Separate fee | Charged for preparing the Memorandum of Understanding (agreement summary) and Open Financial Statement. |
2. Legal Aid (Free Mediation) If you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for Legal Aid, which would make the following services entirely free for you:
Crucially, if you qualify for Legal Aid, the MIAM and the first joint mediation session are also paid for by the Legal Aid Agency for your ex-partner, even if they do not qualify themselves.
3. Government Voucher Scheme (£500)
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides a government contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of joint mediation sessions for cases involving arrangements for children.
Eligibility: The voucher is not means-tested (not based on income) and can be used to fund the mediation, saving you and the other party money, even if you are not eligible for Legal Aid.
How to Apply: Your Solent mediator in Southampton will assess your case and apply for the voucher on your behalf if your case qualifies.
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 Southampton Hub – Find us at;
Winton St, Southampton SO14 1LF
Call our team to book your mediation on 0238 161 1051