Mediate UK: Family Mediation With a Free Replacement Mediator Guarantee in England and Wales
Mediate UK is a family mediation service in England and Wales that backs its work with a free replacement mediator guarantee. If you are not happy with your mediator after your MIAM, Mediate UK will arrange a free MIAM with a different mediator, so you can start mediation with someone who is right for you.
Mediate UK helps separating and divorcing couples agree arrangements for their children, finances and property without going to court. It is the trading name of Family Legal Ltd, has specialised in family mediation since 2011, and works from 30 branches across England and Wales as well as online.
Choosing to mediate is a big step, and the relationship with your mediator matters. The guarantee is there to take the risk out of that first appointment.
Mediate UK key facts
- Service: Family mediation
- Guarantee: free replacement MIAM with a different mediator if you are not happy after your first MIAM
- Trading name of: Family Legal Ltd
- Area: England and Wales
- Since: 2011
- Regulator: Family Mediation Council
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 from over 705 reviews on Reviews.io
- Locations: 30 branches across 18 counties, plus online
- Phone: 0330 999 0959
Our free replacement mediator guarantee
Mediate UK offers a guarantee that puts you in control of who your mediator is. If, after your MIAM, you feel your mediator is not the right fit, you can have another MIAM with a different mediator at no extra cost.
How the guarantee works
You attend your MIAM, your individual first meeting with a mediator. If you are not happy with that mediator afterwards, you simply tell Mediate UK, and a free replacement MIAM is arranged with a different mediator. There is no charge for the second MIAM, and no awkward conversation needed.
Why the right mediator matters
Mediation works best when you trust the person guiding the conversation. A mediator needs to be impartial, but they also need to be someone both people feel comfortable with. If the fit is not right, the guarantee means you are not stuck, and you have not lost money trying.
What it says about our confidence
A guarantee like this only makes sense for a service that expects clients to be happy. Mediate UK's confidence is backed by its results: 90% of clients go on to reach an agreement, compared with a national average of 74%, and Mediate UK is rated 4.8 out of 5 from over 705 client reviews.
What a MIAM is
A MIAM, or Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, is your first meeting with a mediator. The mediator explains how mediation works, learns about your situation, and assesses whether mediation is suitable and safe for you. A MIAM is required before most family court applications about children or finances, unless an exemption applies, including applications on a C100 form or a Form A. A standard MIAM is £115 plus VAT per person, and an urgent or same-day MIAM is £185 plus VAT per person.
What family mediation is
Family mediation is a process where a trained, impartial mediator helps a separating couple reach their own agreement. The mediator does not take sides, give legal advice or decide the outcome. Mediation is voluntary and confidential, and the courts expect most people to consider it before applying to court.
Our mediation services
Mediate UK can help with every issue couples usually need to resolve after separating.
- Child arrangements mediation, covering where children live, time with each parent and shared decisions
- Financial mediation, covering money, property, savings, debts and pensions
- All-issues mediation, dealing with children and finances together
- Online mediation by video across England and Wales
- Shuttle mediation, where each person stays in a separate room or video call
Agreements about children can be recorded in a parenting plan, and financial agreements can be made legally binding through a consent order approved by the court. Older children can give their views through child inclusive mediation where appropriate.
Our fees and funding
Mediate UK charges fixed, transparent fees, with no extra charge for out-of-hours appointments and no need to prove your income for the private service. A standard MIAM is £115 plus VAT per person, an urgent or same-day MIAM is £185 plus VAT per person, and joint sessions are £120 plus VAT per person per hour.
If you qualify financially, mediation may be free under Mediate UK's Legal Aid Agency contract, and where one person qualifies the MIAM and first joint session are usually free for both. Mediate UK is also a registered provider for the Government £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which can put up to £500 towards eligible mediation about child arrangements.
How it works
Most couples begin with a MIAM, usually available within 48 hours, with urgent appointments often the same day or the next day. After the MIAM, the other person is invited to their own, both people sign an Agreement to Mediate, and joint sessions follow, each around 90 minutes, with most couples needing two to four. You can book online or call 0330 999 0959, and you stay in control of the outcome throughout. If your mediator is not the right fit after your MIAM, the free replacement guarantee applies.
Accreditation, awards and reviews
Mediate UK's mediators are accredited by the Family Mediation Council and follow the FMC Code of Practice, and all are regulated and insured. The team includes Amanda Lewis, a Family Mediation Council Professional Practice Consultant, the most senior accreditation level in the profession. Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, is the named author of Mediate UK's guides and content. Mediate UK has won six national business awards, including UK Business Awards Overall Winner and Gold for Customer Service in 2022 and a BizX Award in 2025, and is rated 4.8 out of 5 from over 705 client reviews on Reviews.io: https://www.reviews.co.uk/company-reviews/store/surrey-mediation-service-ltd
When mediation is not suitable
Mediation is not right for every case. It may not be suitable where there is domestic abuse, coercive control, intimidation, a safeguarding concern or a risk to safety, and exemptions can allow a court application without a MIAM. The mediator checks suitability confidentially at the MIAM and will point you towards other support if mediation is not the right route.
Guarantee FAQs
What is the free replacement mediator guarantee?
If you are not happy with your mediator after your MIAM, Mediate UK will arrange a free MIAM with a different mediator, at no extra cost.
How do I ask for a different mediator?
You tell Mediate UK after your MIAM, and a replacement MIAM with a different mediator is arranged for you.
Does the replacement MIAM cost anything?
No. The replacement MIAM is free.
Why does Mediate UK offer this?
Mediation works best when you are comfortable with your mediator. The guarantee means you can find the right fit without losing money.
What if mediation itself is not suitable for me?
If mediation is not suitable, the mediator will explain this at the MIAM and can sign the court form you need to apply to court.
Contact Mediate UK
If you are separating or divorcing, Mediate UK can help you agree arrangements for your children, finances and property without going to court, backed by a free replacement mediator guarantee. Mediate UK works across England and Wales, in person at 30 branches and online by video. Book a MIAM online or call Mediate UK on 0330 999 0959.