Child Arrangements Mediation
Help with child arrangements and parenting plans
Speak to an FMC-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
For child arrangements, child access, co-parenting plans and MIAMs before court.
Start here
Request a child arrangements MIAM
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 this service can help with
- Child arrangements: Where children live and how time is shared between parents.
- Parenting plans: A clear written plan covering routines, holidays, handovers, school and communication.
- Co-parenting disputes: Support where communication has broken down or arrangements keep changing.
- MIAMs before court: A first meeting to understand whether mediation is suitable before many private law children applications.
- Funding options: Legal Aid and the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may be available, subject to eligibility.
Family mediation services
Help with parenting issues after separation
This page is for parents looking for family mediation services, family dispute resolution, a co-parenting plan, or a mediator for court-related child arrangement issues.
Child arrangements
Discuss where your child lives, how often they spend time with each parent, regular routines and arrangements between two homes.
Parenting plans
Create a clear written Parenting Plan covering routines, holidays, handovers, school, communication and future decisions.
Co-parenting disputes
Get structured support when communication has broken down, arrangements keep changing, or conflict is affecting day-to-day parenting.
MIAMs and court forms
If court may be your next step, a MIAM helps you understand whether mediation is suitable before making many private law children applications.
What can child arrangements mediation cover?
Mediation helps parents work through the practical issues that often cause conflict after separation.
- Where children live: Agreeing a stable routine between one or two homes.
- Time with each parent: Weekdays, weekends, overnight stays, school runs and regular contact.
- Holidays and special days: School holidays, birthdays, Christmas, Eid, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and family events.
- Handovers: Planning safe, calm and predictable transitions.
- School and activities: Education decisions, clubs, homework, parents’ evenings and school communication.
- Co-parenting communication: Agreeing how parents share updates and make decisions without repeated conflict.
The aim is to create arrangements that are clear, workable and focused on your child’s everyday needs.
How the process works
- Book your MIAM: You speak privately with a mediator about your situation, concerns and options.
- Suitability is assessed: The mediator considers safety, domestic abuse concerns, safeguarding, urgency and whether mediation is appropriate.
- The other parent is contacted: If suitable, the other parent can be invited to attend their own MIAM.
- Mediation sessions begin: You work through the child arrangement issues step by step. Shuttle or online mediation may be considered where appropriate.
- A Parenting Plan can be prepared: If agreement is reached, the arrangements can be recorded clearly for both parents to follow.
If agreement is not reached, mediation can still help narrow the issues, clarify each parent’s position and support the next step, including legal advice or a court application where needed.
Not sure where to start?
Start with a confidential MIAM
If you searched for “find a mediator”, “family mediation help with parenting issues”, “mediator for court” or “family dispute resolution”, the first step is usually a MIAM. This is a private meeting where a mediator explains the process, checks suitability and helps you understand your options.
Costs and funding
Does child arrangements mediation cost money?
Mediation is usually a paid service, but you may not have to pay the full cost yourself. Funding may be available depending on your circumstances and the type of case.
- Legal Aid: If you qualify financially, Legal Aid may cover your MIAM and mediation sessions.
- If one person qualifies: The other person’s MIAM and first joint mediation session are also usually covered.
- Family Mediation Voucher Scheme: In eligible child-related cases, the voucher scheme may contribute up to £500 towards mediation sessions.
Eligibility is assessed before funding is confirmed.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about child arrangements mediation
Is this the right service if I searched for child access mediation?
Yes. Many people still search for “child access”, although the current language is usually child arrangements or time with a child. Mediation can help parents discuss where a child lives, when they spend time with each parent and how arrangements should work in practice.
Do I have to go to court to sort out child arrangements?
Not always. Many parents use mediation to reach practical agreements without asking the court to decide. Before many private law children applications, the court will usually expect you to have considered mediation through a MIAM unless an exemption applies.
Do I need a mediation lawyer near me?
A family mediator is not the same as a solicitor or lawyer. The mediator is neutral and helps both parents discuss arrangements. You can still take separate legal advice before, during or after mediation if you need it.
Can mediation help us create a co-parenting plan?
Yes. Mediation can help parents create a Parenting Plan covering routines, holidays, handovers, communication, school issues, special occasions and future decision-making.
Does mediation cost money?
Mediation is usually paid for privately, but Legal Aid and the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may help with the cost if you are eligible. If one person qualifies for Legal Aid, the other person’s MIAM and first joint session are also usually covered.
What happens if the other parent will not attend mediation?
If the other parent does not engage, the mediator can explain your options. Where the MIAM requirement has been addressed and mediation cannot proceed, the mediator may be able to sign the relevant court form where appropriate.
Can mediation be used if communication is difficult?
Yes, provided mediation is safe and suitable. In some cases, shuttle mediation or online mediation may help parents remain separate while still working through the issues with the mediator.
Can mediation include my child’s wishes and feelings?
In suitable cases, a specially trained mediator may involve a child in a careful and appropriate way. This only happens with the right safeguards, consent and professional assessment.
Take the next step
Book child arrangements mediation
If you need help with child arrangements, parenting issues, co-parenting communication or a court-related MIAM, speak to UK Family Mediation about the right next step.