Child Arrangements Mediation
Resolve Disputes
Find an accredited family mediator about child access, co-parenting disputes, handovers, holidays and MIAMs before court.
- Confidential MIAM appointments
- Legal Aid may be available, subject to eligibility
- Up to £500 voucher funding may apply in eligible child-related cases
- Online mediation across England and Wales
Prefer to speak to someone? Call 0330 010 1571.
Start here
Find a Mediator
Tell us briefly what help you need and our team will explain the next step.
Use this if you need help with child arrangements, child access, parenting plans, co-parenting disputes, Legal Aid eligibility or a MIAM before a court application.
What mediation can cover
Help agreeing arrangements after separation
Child arrangements mediation helps parents discuss practical issues without going straight to court. It can support clear, workable arrangements for children after separation.
Child arrangements
Agree where your child lives and how time is shared between homes.
Child contact
Discuss weekends, school runs, overnight stays, holidays and handovers.
Parenting plans
Create a written plan for routines, communication and future decisions.
Co-parenting disputes
Get support when communication is difficult or arrangements keep changing.
MIAMs before court
Attend a confidential MIAM before many private law children applications.
How the process works
- Send your enquiry: Tell us what help you need.
- Book your MIAM: Speak privately with a mediator.
- Suitability is checked: The mediator considers safety and whether mediation is appropriate.
- The other parent may be contacted: This happens if mediation is suitable.
- Mediation can begin: You work through the child arrangement issues step by step.
What happens if agreement is not reached?
Mediation can still help narrow the issues. It can also clarify each parent’s position.
If mediation cannot continue, the mediator can explain your options. This may include legal advice or the next court step.
Costs and funding
Does child arrangements mediation cost money?
Child arrangements mediation is usually a paid service. However, funding may be available.
- Legal Aid: This may cover your MIAM and mediation sessions if you qualify.
- Linked funding: If one person qualifies, the other person’s MIAM and first joint session may also be covered.
- Voucher funding: Eligible child-related cases may receive up to £500 towards mediation sessions.
Funding is not guaranteed. Eligibility is checked before funding is confirmed.
FAQs
Child arrangements mediation FAQs
What is child contact mediation?
Child contact mediation helps separated parents discuss how children spend time with each parent. This can include weekends, school runs, overnight stays, holidays and handovers.
Can mediation help with child access?
Yes. Many people still search for child access. The current language is usually child arrangements or time with a child. Mediation can help parents discuss how arrangements should work in practice.
Can mediation help us agree a parenting plan?
Yes. A Parenting Plan can cover routines, holidays, handovers, communication, school issues and future decisions.
Do I need a MIAM before applying to court?
Before many private law children applications, the court expects you to consider mediation through a MIAM unless an exemption applies.
Can Legal Aid cover child arrangements mediation?
Legal Aid may cover your MIAM and mediation sessions if you qualify. If one person qualifies, the other person’s MIAM and first joint mediation session may also be covered.
Can the £500 voucher be used for child arrangements?
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may contribute up to £500 towards eligible child-related mediation sessions. Eligibility is checked before funding is confirmed.
What if the other parent refuses mediation?
If the other parent will not engage, the mediator can explain your options. Where appropriate, the mediator may be able to sign the relevant court form.
Can mediation be used if communication is difficult?
Yes, if mediation is safe and suitable. Shuttle or online mediation may help parents remain separate while still working through the issues.
Take the next step
Book child arrangements mediation
Get help with child contact, child access, parenting plans or a court-related MIAM. Send an enquiry or call UK Family Mediation today.