Co-Mediation
Co-mediation means two mediators in the room instead of one. It is used where a case is complex, where the balance between two people needs careful handling, or simply where clients ask for it. Two sets of eyes and ears means nothing gets missed, and it is often the thing that gets a stuck case moving again.
- Two accredited mediators, one session
- No extra charge where we decide a second mediator is needed
- Available online and in person
Most family mediation works perfectly well with one mediator. Some cases benefit from two. Where there is a lot of ground to cover, where one person finds it much harder to speak up than the other, or where the conversation keeps getting stuck in the same place, a second mediator changes the dynamic. One can manage the discussion while the other watches how it is landing, and between them very little slips past.
At Mediate UK, a second mediator joins for one of three reasons: because a mediator is training and observing, because we have decided the case needs it for safety or to make progress, or because you have asked for it. In the first two, there is no extra charge at all. Co-mediation only ever goes ahead with the agreement of both of you.
Co-Mediation at a Glance
- What it is: two mediators working together in the same session, rather than one.
- When it is used: for training and supervision, where safety or complexity calls for it, or at your request.
- What it costs: free in the first two cases. Where you ask for a second mediator, it is an extra £60 plus VAT per person, per hour.
- Your agreement is needed: a second mediator only joins if you both agree, and either of you can say no.
- Confidentiality: both mediators are bound by exactly the same confidentiality and impartiality rules.
- How you meet: available online, in person and in shuttle format.
Why use two mediators?
Nothing gets missed
It can be quicker overall
Usually at no extra cost
A better balanace in the room
Two trained professionals
The same outcome, made binding
Get up to £500 towards your mediation
When is co-mediation used?
A second mediator is never added without a reason, and never without your agreement. These are the situations where we suggest it, or where clients ask us for it.
- Where a mediator is training: a mediator working towards accreditation sits in alongside an accredited colleague, with your consent. There is no charge for these sessions.
- Where there is a safety consideration: two mediators can hold a session more safely, particularly in shuttle format where one person may be more vulnerable than the other.
- Where the balance in the room needs care: if one of you finds it much harder to be heard, a second mediator helps make sure both voices carry equal weight.
- Where the case is complex: cases covering finances and children together, or with a business, pensions or an international element, benefit from two mediators with different specialisms.
- Where a case has stalled: if the same sticking point keeps coming back, a fresh perspective in the room often shifts it.
- Where you simply prefer it: some couples want two mediators, or want a male and a female mediator. You can ask for that at any point.
Start the process Now
Book your first appointment online in a few minutes, at a time that suits you.
Can the agreement be made legally binding?
Yes, in exactly the same way. Co-mediation is a format, not a different service, so it produces the same written outcome as any other mediation. For children, that is a parenting plan. For finances, it is a Memorandum of Understanding and an Open Financial Statement.
If you want the certainty of a court-backed agreement, our solicitor partners can draft it as a consent order or a consent application and file it with the court for a fixed fee. Once a judge approves it, it is enforceable. Nothing about having two mediators changes that, or adds any step to it.
How much does co-mediation cost?
No Charge for additional Mediator
No Charge for additional Mediator
additional £60 +VAT per person, per hour
Meet your family mediators
What families say about working with us
“We then had our first mediation session with Emily and Chris who were both excellent. They were brilliant with helping to come to agreements and not speaking over each other and not interrupting each other. I want to massively thank all of Mediate for your help.”
“We received brilliant service from both Emma and Jess, incredibly professional and friendly.”
“I was made to feel at ease. Our mediator Christine was very good and professional. And also Jess, was a great help. Thank you.”
FAQ
Usually because a case is complex, because there is a lot of ground to cover, or because the balance in the room needs careful handling. Sometimes it is simply that a case has become stuck and a fresh perspective moves it on. It is also how mediators develop their practice, by sitting in alongside an accredited colleague.
Only if you ask for it. Where a mediator is training, or where we have decided a second mediator is needed for safety or to help the case progress, there is no extra charge. Where you request a second mediator, it is an additional £60 plus VAT per person, per hour.
Yes. A second mediator only ever joins with the agreement of both of you, and either of you can decline. Saying no makes no difference to your mediation, and nobody will be in your session that you have not agreed to.
No. Sessions run to the same length, and where a case has been stalling, two mediators often reduce the number of sessions needed rather than adding to them.
Yes. You can ask at any stage, and we may suggest it ourselves if we think it would help. Nothing you have already agreed is affected, and your existing mediator stays with the case.
Not sure whether you need two mediators?
You do not have to decide now. Book your MIAM and your mediator will talk it through with you, or take a free 15-minute call first if you would rather ask a few questions before committing to anything.
Need something specific? Book an urgent MIAM or check your legal aid eligibility.
Related types of mediation services
Child Inclusive Mediation
Child inclusive mediation gives your child a safe, confidential space to say how the arrangements actually feel to them. A specially trained mediator meets your child on their own, then feeds back what they want you both to know, with nothing shared without their permission. You make decisions based on what your child really thinks, not what you each assume.
In Person Mediation
In person mediation brings you both together in the same room with your mediator, which many people find easier than talking through a screen. You sit down face to face, work through the issues in order, and leave with decisions written up the same day. It suits couples who can be in a room together and want it settled.
Shuttle Mediation
Shuttle mediation keeps you and your ex in separate rooms, or separate video calls, with the mediator moving between you. You never have to see or speak to each other directly, which makes an agreement possible when being in the same room simply would not work. Sessions usually run to two hours rather than the standard 90 minutes.