Family Mediation

Expert Family Law Support for Mediation & Out-of-Court Solutions

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Family Mediation at Woodstock Legal Services


Family mediation helps separating couples reach agreement on arrangements for children, finances and property without the cost, delay and stress of going to court. A neutral mediator guides the discussions, helping you communicate constructively and focus on practical solutions. Woodstock Legal Services supports clients through mediation across England and Wales.


Our family lawyers advise on preparing for mediation and Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs), legal advice before and between mediation sessions, children and parenting arrangements, financial settlements and property, reviewing proposals made in mediation, and turning mediated agreements into legally binding court orders.


You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who explains your rights in plain English, helps you understand what a fair outcome looks like, and supports you to make informed decisions at every stage.


How Mediation Works


Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process. A trained, impartial mediator helps you and your former partner discuss the issues and work towards an agreement that suits your family. The mediator doesn’t take sides or make decisions for you.

Sessions can take place face to face, online, or with each of you in separate rooms, known as shuttle mediation.


Discussions can cover arrangements for children, the family home, savings, pensions and maintenance. Any proposals you reach are summarised in writing, so you can take legal advice before committing.


Because you stay in control of the outcome, mediation is often quicker, less confrontational and better for ongoing relationships, especially where children are involved.


Legal Support Alongside Mediation


Mediators can’t give either party legal advice, so it’s important to understand your rights and options before and during the process. Having a lawyer on your side helps you go into each session with confidence.


Our family lawyers advise you before mediation begins, explain how a court would likely approach your situation, and review any proposals as they develop. Once agreement is reached, we draft the necessary documents, such as a consent order for financial matters, so the agreement can be approved by the court and become legally binding.


If mediation isn’t suitable or doesn’t resolve every issue, we’ll advise on the alternatives, including solicitor-led negotiation and court proceedings.

Get in Touch With Our Family Law Team

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Family Mediation FAQs

  • What is a MIAM?

    A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a first meeting with an accredited mediator. The mediator explains how mediation works and assesses whether it’s suitable for your situation. In most cases, you must attend a MIAM before applying to court about children or finances, although there are exemptions, for example, where there has been domestic abuse or the matter is urgent.

  • Is an agreement reached in mediation legally binding?

    Not on its own. Proposals reached in mediation aren’t legally binding until they’re formalised. For financial matters, this usually means drafting a consent order, which is then approved by the court. We can review your mediated proposals and turn them into a legally binding agreement.

  • Do we have to be in the same room?

    No. If you’d prefer not to be in the same room as your former partner, mediation can take place online or through shuttle mediation. In shuttle mediation, the mediator moves between separate rooms. Mediation may not be suitable where there are concerns about domestic abuse or safety, and the mediator will assess this at the start.

  • Can children be involved in mediation?

    In some cases, yes. Child-inclusive mediation gives children the chance to share their views with a specially trained mediator, in an age-appropriate way, without being asked to make decisions. This can help parents understand their children’s wishes when agreeing on arrangements.

  • What happens if mediation doesn’t work?

    If mediation doesn’t resolve every issue, there are other options. These include solicitor-led negotiation, arbitration or applying to court. Even if mediation doesn’t produce a full agreement, it can narrow the issues in dispute. We’ll advise on the best next step for your circumstances.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our family solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. During a divorce or separation, that means your case gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

One Lawyer, From Start to Finish

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a rotating team. You won’t have to repeat your story to different people. Your lawyer keeps you informed at every stage and is on hand when you need reassurance.

Calm, Constructive Approach

Wherever possible, we encourage negotiation and family mediation to reduce conflict, cost and stress. We keep your children’s wellbeing at the centre of every decision, while robustly protecting your position if matters go to court.