FAQs | MinusOne Mediation

How much does family mediation cost?



Please see our Fees page for full details.

Is family mediation legally binding?



Agreements reached in mediation are not legally binding on their own. However, they can be formalised through solicitors and approved by the court if you wish, making them legally binding.

What if the other person doesn’t want to take part in mediation?



You can still attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) on your own. The MIAM allows you to understand how mediation works and explore your options, even if the other person is unsure or unwilling at this stage.

Mediation is always voluntary and cannot proceed unless both people agree to take part. If the other person chooses not to engage, or if mediation is not appropriate, a MIAM certificate can be issued, allowing you to apply to the family court if you wish.

Do I have to go to mediation before going to court?



In most cases, the court expects the person making the court application (the applicant) to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to the family court about children or finances, unless an exemption applies.

The purpose of the MIAM is to ensure people understand their options and have considered whether issues could be resolved by agreement, rather than through a court process. Mediation is often encouraged as it can be less stressful, quicker, and more cost-effective.

The MIAM is not mediation itself, and there is no obligation to take part in mediation. If mediation does not go ahead, a MIAM certificate will be issued so a court application can be made.

‍

How long does family mediation take?



Mediation usually takes place over three to five sessions, depending on the complexity of the issues being discussed. Each session typically lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours

Is mediation confidential?



Yes. Mediation is confidential and “without prejudice”, meaning discussions cannot be shared outside the mediation process or used in court, except in very limited legal circumstances.

This confidentiality allows for open and honest conversations without pressure.

Do I need a solicitor if I use mediation?



You do not need a solicitor to take part in mediation. Some people choose to seek independent legal advice alongside mediation, particularly for financial matters or before formalising any agreements.

At MinusOne Mediation, we actively support clients in obtaining independent legal advice where it may be helpful, to ensure decisions are informed and made with confidence.

Can mediation help if we don’t get on or there is high conflict?



Yes. Many people come to mediation because communication is difficult or has broken down.

Mediation is designed to support constructive discussions, even where there is conflict.

In higher-conflict situations, separate sessions or carefully managed arrangements may be used to ensure discussions remain constructive and safe. One such approach is known as a shuttle session, or shuttle mediation, where the mediator moves between the parties in separate physical or virtual rooms, relaying messages on their behalf. This allows the parties to engage in the process without interacting directly and is common in family disputes.

What issues can family mediation help resolve?



Family mediation can help with a wide range of issues following separation, including:

Arrangements for children
Child maintenance
Property and housing
Finances, savings, pensions, and debts
Ongoing co-parenting matters

Mediation focuses on finding practical, future-focused solutions tailored to your family’s circumstances.

Is family mediation better than going to court?



Many people choose family mediation because it allows them to stay in control of the decisions that affect their children, finances, and future.

In mediation, you work together with the support of an impartial mediator to reach your own agreements. This allows decisions to be shaped by the people involved - reflecting your family’s needs - rather than being imposed by a judge who does not know you or your family. As a result, outcomes are often more practical, realistic, and sustainable over time.

Mediation is also generally quicker and far more cost-effective than court proceedings. Court cases can take many months and often involve significant legal costs, whereas mediation focuses on resolving matters efficiently, without unnecessary delay or expense.

Mediation also takes place in a private and confidential setting. For many families, this combination of control, privacy, and reduced cost makes mediation a constructive way to move forward.

Frequently asked questions

Information

Services

Forms