In Person
Mediation
Most of our mediation now happens online, and for most families that works well. But some conversations are easier face to face, and some people simply think better in a room than on a screen. We have more than 30 offices across 18 counties in England and Wales, so if you would rather sit down together, you can.
- More than 30 offices across England and Wales
- Private, neutral space with staggered arrivals
- Same accredited mediators, same process
Video mediation removed the travel, the waiting room and the awkwardness of arriving at the same time, which is why 95% of our sessions now happen that way. It does not suit everyone. Some people find video draining, or have nowhere private to take a call. Others want to sit at a table with the paperwork in front of them, or feel the occasion deserves more than a laptop on the kitchen worktop.
In-person mediation is exactly the same process, with the same accredited mediators and the same written outcome. The only difference is the room. Where being in the same space would be difficult, you can still come to the same office and stay in separate rooms, with your mediator moving between you.
In Person Mediation at a Glance
- Where: more than 30 offices across 18 counties, from Manchester and Leeds to Portsmouth and Kent, with our head office in Bracknell.
- How long: a joint session usually lasts 90 minutes, with most families needing between two and four.
- Arrivals: we stagger arrival times and use separate waiting areas so you are not standing in a reception together.
- The format: you can sit together, or in separate rooms with your mediator moving between you.
- What it costs: free if you qualify for legal aid, or up to £500 through the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.
- Bringing someone: you can bring a person for support, though there are a few rules, set out in the questions below.
Why choose to meet in person?
A private, neutral space
Fewer distractions, more progress
Easy to combine with online
Easier for difficult conversations
Regulated and insured
The same outcome, made binding
Get up to £500 towards your mediation
What happens on the day?
If you have never been to a mediation session, the practical questions are usually the ones on your mind. Here is how an in-person session runs.
- You have already met your mediator: you each attended your own MIAM separately before this point, so the joint session is not the first time you have spoken to them, and they already understand what matters to each of you.
- You both attend the same appointment: a joint session is exactly that, the two of you and your mediator in the same room at the same time. If arriving together would be difficult, tell us when you book and we will make arrangements.
- Your mediator sets the ground rules first: how the session will run, that they are impartial and cannot advise either of you, and that everything said is confidential and without prejudice, so nothing can be quoted at court later.
- The room is neutral: a table, water, and nobody sitting at the head of it. It is not either of your homes, and that in itself changes the tone of the conversation.
- Sessions run to 90 minutes: with a break if you need one. Either of you can ask to pause, and if you want a few minutes with your mediator on your own during the session, you can ask for that too.
- Nothing is signed on the day: you leave with a note of what you discussed, and your mediator writes it up properly afterwards. There is no pressure to commit to anything in the room.
How does in person mediation work?
Your MIAM
We agree where to meet
Joint sessions begin
Your written agreement
Make it legal
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 as online mediation. Where you meet makes no difference to the outcome. For children, you end up with a parenting plan. For finances, 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. Meeting in person does not add a step, and it does not change the fixed fee.
How much does In Person mediation cost?
Free
Up to £500
From £150 plus VAT
Meet your family mediators
What families say about working with us
“There was an initial meeting arranged at a mutual time at a convenient and comfortable location. The mediator was very friendly and knowledgeable who explained the process clearly and gave our options. We had a couple of sessions talking together and we came to our agreement, it was really easy.”
“We attended Mediate UK over an extended period. Ian Lovatt our mediator was professional and helpful throughout. He was always clear about next steps and scrupulously fair in calmly helping our discussions.”
“Meeting was on time. The Mediator was very approachable and explained the process in a very clear manner. All aspects relating to my present and future were covered which helped with a lot of worries I was having at this difficult time.”
FAQ
No. If being in the same space would be too difficult, we can run the session in shuttle format at the same office. You are in separate rooms and your mediator carries the questions, offers and replies between you. A shuttle session usually runs to two hours rather than 90 minutes, because everything has to be relayed twice.
A joint session usually lasts 90 minutes. Most families need between two and four, depending on whether you are discussing children, finances or both. Your mediator will give you a realistic idea after your MIAM.
Yes, and many families do. Some prefer to meet face to face for the first session and move online once they have got going. Others do the opposite and come in to finalise things. You are not committing to one format for the whole case.
Say so at your MIAM, where your mediator will speak to you on your own and ask about this directly. Where there are safety concerns, mediation may still be possible online or in shuttle format, and your mediator will tell you honestly if they do not think it is appropriate at all.
Yes, a little. Online sessions are £120 plus VAT per person, per hour, and face-to-face sessions are £150 plus VAT per person, per hour. The difference covers the cost of booking the meeting space. The funding routes are the same either way: legal aid covers in-person sessions in full if you qualify, and the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme applies whether you meet face to face or online.
Would you rather sit down together?
Tell us roughly where you both are and we will find an office that works. Book your MIAM to get started, or take a free 15-minute call first if you would like to ask about a particular venue 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.
Co-Mediation
Co-mediation puts two mediators in the room instead of one, which helps when a case is complex, emotionally charged, or covers both children and finances. You get two sets of skills, a better balance in the room and far less chance of getting stuck. In many cases there is no extra cost to you at all.
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.