Is a MIAM compulsory before going to family court in the South East?

Yes. Designated family courts in Essex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Suffolk will routinely reject private family applications unless an accredited mediator signs Form C100 or Form A, certifying that you attended a MIAM or qualify for an exemption.

Can mediation handle high-value marital assets and complex pensions?

Yes. Our practitioners have deep experience mediating substantial marital capital, London commuter property portfolios, defined benefit pensions (NHS, civil service, police), and family business interests.

FMC-Accredited Professional Practice

Specialist Family Mediation Services

Constructive, legally sound pathways designed to protect children’s emotional security and achieve fair financial settlements without adversarial litigation.

MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting) - Accredited Family Mediation Services from Cavendish Family Mediation

Statutory Requirement

45 to 60 minutes per individual

MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting)

The statutory court-mandated assessment required before initiating court applications for children or financial orders. Fast, confidential, and FMC-accredited.

Legal Basis: Section 10, Children and Families Act 2014 & Family Procedure Rules 2010 Part 3

Court Forms: Form C100 (Page 9) or Form A (Page 2)

Strictly individual and confidential — you do not attend with your former partner

Prompt certification: signed Form C100 or Form A provided within 24 to 48 hours if mediation is not appropriate

Conducted via secure encrypted video from home or in-person by appointment

Thorough screening for domestic abuse, safety concerns, and eligibility for statutory vouchers

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Child Arrangements Mediation - Accredited Family Mediation Services from Cavendish Family Mediation

Child-Focused Resolution

2 to 3 structured 90-minute joint sessions

Child Arrangements Mediation

Constructive, child-centred mediation to agree parenting schedules, living arrangements, holiday rotas, and schooling following separation.

Legal Basis: Section 8, Children Act 1989 & Parental Responsibility Principles

Court Forms: Form C100 (Child Arrangements Order)

Children are kept out of adversarial courtroom conflict

Tailored arrangements: flexible 50/50 care, alternate weekends, and school holiday rotas

Clear agreements on school choices, passport custody, and international travel

Child-Inclusive Mediation available to give older children an independent voice

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Financial Settlements & Clean Break Mediation - Accredited Family Mediation Services from Cavendish Family Mediation

Fair Financial Resolution

2 to 4 structured sessions following full disclosure

Financial Settlements & Clean Break Mediation

Transparent, structured resolution of property, mortgages, pensions, savings, and maintenance following divorce or separation.

Legal Basis: Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 Section 25 & Civil Partnership Act 2004

Court Forms: Form A (Notice of Intention to Proceed with Financial Dispute)

Complete, transparent exchange of financial documentation without court subpoenas

Realistic appraisal of the family home: buy-outs, transfers, or structured sale timings

Expert review of pension Cash Equivalent Values (CEVs) and sharing percentages

Fair budgeting for spousal maintenance and child maintenance (CMS benchmarking)

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All-Issues Family Mediation - Accredited Family Mediation Services from Cavendish Family Mediation

Comprehensive Package

3 to 5 structured joint sessions

All-Issues Family Mediation

A unified, seamless mediation process resolving child arrangements, housing, and financial settlements together in one coordinated pathway.

Legal Basis: Children Act 1989 & Matrimonial Causes Act 1973

Court Forms: Form C100 and Form A

Comprehensive resolution: parenting routines, property division, and pensions coordinated together

Reduces total separation costs by up to 80% compared to separate solicitor negotiations

Single mediator continuity throughout the entire separation journey

Provides both a Parenting Plan and a Financial Memorandum of Understanding

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Statutory Dispute Cost BenchmarkMoJ Voucher Scheme Approved

Mediation vs. Court Litigation Cost Calculator

Estimate statutory mediation fees versus contentious court litigation costs, factoring in the non-means-tested £500 Ministry of Justice voucher scheme.

1. Matter in Dispute

2. Estimated Joint Sessions2 Sessions (Typical for parenting)

Qualifies for MoJ £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme

Because your matter involves children, you are eligible for the non-means-tested £500 government contribution. We apply this deduction directly to your joint sessions.

FMC Accredited Mediation Pathway

£320(Total estimated for both parties)

Individual MIAMs (2 parties):£260

2 Joint Mediation Sessions:£560

MoJ Voucher Scheme Grant:-£500

Average Resolution Timeline:4 – 8 Weeks

Contested Family Court Litigation

£18,000+(Combined solicitor & counsel fees)

Solicitor & Barrister Fees:£12,000 – £24,000

Court Filing & Hearing Costs:£255 – £300+

Risk of Adverse Costs (FPR 28.3):Substantial

Average Court Hearing Wait:12 – 18+ Months

Projected Family Financial Savings

Save Approximately £17,680 by Mediating

Mediation preserves family capital for your children's future and avoids contentious courtroom hostility.

Book Individual MIAM Assessment 03300 100 217

Data Verification & Statutory Disclaimer: Data verified & last updated: September 2026. Figures based on Ministry of Justice Family Mediation Voucher Scheme guidelines, Family Mediation Council fee standards, and HMCTS contested court statistics. Court litigation estimates exclude potential adverse cost sanctions under Family Procedure Rules Part 28.3. Figures provided for guidance; exact fees confirmed during individual MIAM consultation.

Professional Credentials & Standards

Nationally Accredited & Regulated Standards

Our certified mediators operate strictly under the codes of conduct established by the UK’s governing family mediation bodies.

Family Mediation Council (FMC)

Regulatory Standards & FMCA Certification

Accredited mediators qualified to issue and sign statutory MIAM court certificates (Form C100 & Form A).

Verified Regulatory Body

College of Mediators

Approved Membership Body

Dedicated to ethical standards, professional supervision, and rigorous continuous practice quality.

Verified Regulatory Body

Resolution

Constructive Family Resolution

Adhering to the non-confrontational Code of Practice prioritizing the welfare and best interests of children.

Verified Regulatory Body

UK Family Law & Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear, authoritative answers regarding UK family mediation, court regulations, and costs.

If your dispute involves parenting schedules, child living arrangements, or holiday rotas, select Child Arrangements. If your concerns involve dividing matrimonial property, mortgages, or pensions, choose Financial Mediation. If both areas need resolving, All-Issues Mediation unifies the entire separation framework at substantial financial savings.