Helping separated parents make child-focused arrangements without going to court.
4.9/5 Client Satisfaction
Based on hundreds of client reviews
CHILD ARRANGEMENTS
MEDIATION
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Child arrangements and parenting plans
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Child Inclusive Mediation available
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Legal Aid and £500 government vouchers available
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Online and face-to-face appointments
What is Child Mediation?
Child mediation is a form of family mediation that helps separated parents resolve disputes about their children. With the support of an experienced mediator, you can agree on child arrangements, parenting plans and other important decisions without going to court.
Our goal is to help you create practical, child-focused solutions that reduce conflict and support your children's well-being.
How can Child Mediation Help?
Child Arrangements
Deciding where children will live and how time will be shared between
parents.
Parenting Plans
Agreeing routines, holidays, education, healthcare and other important decisions.
Improving Co-Parenting
Building better communication and cooperation for the benefit of your children.
Resolving Disagreements
Helping parents make decisions together in a fair, respectful and child-focused way.
The Benefits of Child Arrangements Mediation
Keeps Children at the Centre
Decisions focus on what's best for your children.
Quicker than Court
Mediation is usually faster, reducing stress for everyone.
Less Expensive
It's typically more affordable than going to court.
Helps Reduce Conflict
Improves communication and creates a calmer environment.
Parents Stay in Control
You make the decisions that work for your family.
How Child Mediation Works
Parents Attend MIAMs
Meet individually with a family mediator to discuss your circumstances and explore whether mediation is suitable.
Begin mediation sessions
Attend joint or separate (shuttle) mediation sessions to discuss child arrangements and other important issues.
Reach Agreements
Work together to create child-focused arrangements that meet your family's needs.
Receive Written Outcomes
If agreements are reached, the mediator will prepare documents summarising what has been agreed.
Child Inclusive Mediation
We offer Child Inclusive Mediation, where children (usually aged 10+) can be invited to share their views in a safe and supportive way.
Participation is voluntary and based on the child's comfort
Mediators listen to the child separately
Children do not decide the outcomes
Their views are shared with parents (with consent)
Legal Aid & Funding
Legal Aid
You may be eligible for Legal
Aid. which con cover the ful cost of mediation.
Family Mediation
Voucher Scheme
The government can contribute up to £500 per case toward your mediation costs.
Why Families Choose Pax Mediation
14,000+ Families Supported
Child Inclusive Mediators Available
FMCA Accredited Family Mediators
Trusted by families across the UK
Online & In-Person Flexible Appointments
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend a MIAM before going to court?
In most cases, yes. Before making an application to the family court, you will usually need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) unless an exemption applies. During the MIAM, a mediator will explain mediation, discuss your circumstances and consider whether mediation is suitable.
Can children be involved in mediation?
Yes. In some cases, Child Inclusive Mediation may be appropriate. This gives children and young people, usually aged 10 and over, the opportunity to meet with a specially trained mediator and share their views if they wish. Children do not make decisions, but their voice can help parents make child-focused arrangements.
Is child mediation legally binding?
Agreements reached in mediation are not automatically legally binding. However, many parents choose to record their agreements in writing and, if required, ask a solicitor to make them legally binding through a Consent Order.
Is Legal Aid available for child arrangements mediation?
Yes. Legal Aid is available for eligible clients and may cover the cost of MIAMs and mediation sessions. If one person qualifies for Legal Aid, additional funding may also be available for the other parent. We can assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
What happens if the other parent refuses mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process. If the other parent does not wish to take part, or mediation is not suitable, the mediator will discuss your options with you and, where appropriate, provide the documentation required for a court application.
Is mediation suitable for high-conflict situations?
Mediation can often help even where communication has broken down or conflict is high. We offer a range of approaches, including shuttle mediation, where parents remain in separate rooms or separate online meetings. During your MIAM, the mediator will discuss whether mediation is safe and appropriate for your circumstances.