Mediate UK is a family mediation service in England and Wales, and it offers free family mediation to people who qualify for Legal Aid. Mediate UK helps separating and divorcing couples agree arrangements for their children, finances and property without going to court.
Mediate UK holds a contract with the Legal Aid Agency for family mediation. It is the trading name of Family Legal Ltd, has worked in family mediation since 2011, and operates from 30 branches across England and Wales as well as online.
Cost is one of the biggest worries when a relationship ends. Aviva's research puts the average cost of divorce and separation in the UK at £14,561 per couple, but for those who qualify for Legal Aid, family mediation with Mediate UK can be free.
Legal Aid can pay for family mediation if you meet the financial conditions. Mediate UK holds a Legal Aid Agency contract, so eligible clients can use mediation at no cost.
Legal Aid for family mediation is means-tested. Eligibility depends on your income, the benefits you receive, and your savings. People on a low income or certain benefits are the most likely to qualify. Mediate UK can check your eligibility quickly when you get in touch.
Where one person qualifies for Legal Aid, the MIAM and the first joint mediation session are usually free for both people. The eligible person's continuing mediation is also covered. Legal Aid can help with the cost of making a financial agreement legally binding through a consent order, if you are eligible.
You do not need to work out your eligibility yourself. When you contact Mediate UK, the team will ask about your income, benefits and savings and confirm whether you qualify for free mediation. You can call 0330 999 0959 or book online.
If you do not qualify for Legal Aid, you may still get help with the cost. Mediate UK is a registered provider for the Government £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which can put up to £500 towards eligible mediation about child arrangements. The voucher is not means-tested, so many families can use it. Mediate UK will tell you whether your case qualifies.
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.
Mediate UK can help with every issue a couple usually needs to settle after separating. You can mediate one matter or deal with children and finances together.
A MIAM is your individual first meeting with a mediator, who explains how mediation works and checks whether it is suitable and safe. 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.
This helps separated parents agree where children live, time with each parent, holidays, schooling and shared decisions. Agreements can be recorded in a parenting plan, and older children can give their views through child inclusive mediation where appropriate.
This helps a couple divide money, property, savings, debts and pensions. The mediator prepares a memorandum of understanding and an open financial statement, which can be made legally binding through a consent order approved by the court.
All-issues mediation deals with children and finances together. Mediate UK also offers online mediation by video across England and Wales, and shuttle mediation, where each person stays in a separate room or video call.
If you are not eligible for Legal Aid or the voucher scheme, Mediate UK charges fixed, transparent fees. 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. There is no extra charge for out-of-hours appointments, and you do not need to prove your income to use the private service.
Most couples begin by booking a MIAM, usually available within 48 hours, with urgent appointments often the same day or the next day. You can book online or call 0330 999 0959.
You stay in control of the outcome throughout, and can take independent legal advice alongside mediation at any time.
Mediate UK's mediators are accredited by the Family Mediation Council, which sets the standards for family mediation in England and Wales, and all are regulated, insured and follow the FMC Code of Practice. 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. 90% of clients reach an agreement, compared with a national average of 74%. Mediate UK 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
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.
Yes. Mediate UK holds a Legal Aid Agency contract for family mediation, so eligible clients can mediate for free.
People who meet the financial conditions can get free mediation. Eligibility is based on income, benefits and savings.
Where one person qualifies, the MIAM and the first joint session are usually free for both people.
You may still get help through the Government £500 voucher for child arrangements mediation, or you can use Mediate UK's fixed private fees.
Contact Mediate UK on 0330 999 0959 or book online, and the team will check your eligibility.
If you are separating or divorcing, Mediate UK can help you agree arrangements for your children, finances and property without going to court, and your mediation may be free if you qualify for Legal Aid. 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.