What is mediation
Mediation is a way to sort out a family dispute or a divorce without going to court.
With the support of a trained mediator, you and your former partner are provided a safe and neutral space to talk things through — a much cheaper and less stressful alternative to battling it out in the courts.
The mediator does not take sides, and does not make decisions for you. Their role is to help you communicate, explore your options and reach agreements that work both for parties.
Mediation principles
voluntary
Mediation is a choice.
You can step away at any time.
You can step away at any time.
Impartial
I do not take sides. Trust and communication depend on a neutral facilitator who ensures both voices are heard.
confidential
Discussions and negotiations are confidential and cannot be used in court.
Decision-making
Through mediation the final decision is always one that is agreed by both parties — not imposed by the court.
When mediation could help
The benefits of mediation
Confidential
Saves money
Less stressful
Tailored solutions
Update existing agreements
You are in control
You decide what to talk about and find your own solutions.
Mediation meetings are confidential and what is said there, cannot be used in court (with the exception of safeguarding issues).
Mediation is cheaper than hiring lawyers and going to court.
Mediation avoids the time and stress of a long legal process.
Mediation helps families create unique agreements that suits their own needs and situations.
Less conflict, better for kids
Efficient communication
The parties can easily adjust their agreements as children grown and their needs change.
Mediation makes life easier for children by resolving disputes and reduce ongoing conflict.
Parties are invited to communicate amicably and respectfully focusing on the future, not the past.
How does it work
Initial Enquiry
Get in touch with us to find out more about family mediation.
We’ll explain how the process works, answer your questions, and help you decide whether mediation may be suitable for you.
We’ll explain how the process works, answer your questions, and help you decide whether mediation may be suitable for you.
Step 1
Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
We meet with each person separately for a private MIAM.
During this meeting, we explain mediation in detail, discuss the issues you wish to resolve, and assess whether mediation is appropriate and safe.
During this meeting, we explain mediation in detail, discuss the issues you wish to resolve, and assess whether mediation is appropriate and safe.
Step 2
Joint Mediation Sessions
If you both wish to proceed, we arrange joint mediation sessions.
These can take place face-to-face, online, or via shuttle mediation. We facilitate constructive discussions in a neutral and supportive environment.
These can take place face-to-face, online, or via shuttle mediation. We facilitate constructive discussions in a neutral and supportive environment.
Step 3
Working Towards Agreement
We help you work through the issues that matter most to you, such as arrangements for children and/or financial matters.
Where required, we support a full and transparent exchange of financial information.
Where required, we support a full and transparent exchange of financial information.
Step 4
Documenting Proposals
Once proposals are reached, we prepare clear written summaries of what has been agreed, including a Memorandum of Understanding and, where relevant, an Open Financial Statement.
Step 5
Legal Advice & Next Steps
You can take independent legal advice on the proposals and, if you wish, have them made legally binding through a court order prepared by a solicitor.
Step 6
MIAM
Mediation is a voluntary process. However, there is a legal reqirement for most divorcing couples to attend MIAM. You will not have to go to a MIAM in some circumstances, for example if there’s been domestic abuse.
We will give you advice about the mediation process, discuss your situation and help you to decide if mediation is right for you. We will also explain other ways you can agree on financial or child arrangements without going to court.
You’ll usually need to show you’ve attended a MIAM before you apply. If you attend a MIAM but your ex-partner does not, you can still apply to go to court. The mediator will sign a form that shows you attended. You’ll need to show this if you apply to go to court. Only a mediator accredited by the Family Mediation Council can sign the form.
The usual cost is £120 per party. You and your ex-partner will need to attend your own MIAM separately. You do not have to pay for a MIAM if either you or your ex-partner qualifies for legal aid.
At this meeting
If you decide to go to court
How much a MIAM costs
Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting
About me
Olga Elliott
My name is Olga Elliott. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching with Honors, a Master’s degree in European Studies and Law, and am a graduate of the College of Law.
I spent 13 years working in legal practice in the City, gaining a strong foundation in complex legal matters and professional negotiation. I later moved into charity work and, during the Covid period, into teaching, where I worked closely with families, supporting both parents and children through challenging circumstances.
This experience strengthened my ability to listen carefully, understand family dynamics, identify underlying issues, and help individuals organise their thoughts and move toward practical, balanced solutions.
Bringing together my legal expertise, educational background, and my interpersonal skills, I have moved into mediation. As a mediator I am dedicated to helping people resolve conflicts amicably, constructively, and with dignity, so they can move forward with clarity and confidence .
How much mediation costs
new clients
Special offer
50 % discount
Currently we are offering
to all new clients as part of a Family Mediation Week hosted by the Family Mediation Council
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
You can usually get a voucher worth up to £500 to pay for family mediation, regardless of what you earn.
The cost of a MIAM is separate from the cost of mediation. The voucher cannot be used towards the cost of a MIAM. It can only be used towards the cost of mediation sessions.
To qualify for a voucher, your dispute must normally be either about child arrangement / parenting decisions or a financial dispute that also includes a child-related issue.
Standard rates
£ 180 / per party
MIAM
£ 160 / per party
Mediation session up to 90 min