Crowther Mediation offers a supportive and completely impartial family mediation service for families in the North East and surrounding areas, including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and York. Offering both in-person and online family mediation sessions, we support families seeking to resolve disputes and begin conversions anywhere in the UK.
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary process which allows separating or divorced couples to sit together around a table and have a discussion – not an argument – in a safe, controlled, professional environment.
At Crowther Mediation, you can be assured that your experienced mediator will help you navigate through difficult issues to make arrangements for your future. Mediation is completely impartial and whilst we might ask you to consider some of the options a court would look at, we are not here to make the decisions about your future.
We can help resolve family disputes such as:
- Divorce or separation settlements
- Child maintenance disputes
- Child custody arrangements
- Ongoing co-parenting disputes
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Family Mediation process
How long does family mediation take?
Mediation takes place over 2-3 sessions, with each session lasting approximately 90 mins.
What happens during family mediation?
During the sessions you and your former partner will be asked to explore all of the options available to resolve the issues you have.
Is family mediation legally binding?
Mediation is not a substitute for legal advice and you are encouraged to have some independent legal advice to help you consider the options available.
Is family mediation confidential?
Mediation is a confidential process which means you can feel free to discuss and explore all options safe in the knowledge that if mediation does not work, the court are not entitled to hear about your discussions, which may prejudice your case.
Why choose Crowther Mediation?
At Crowther Mediation we offer a supportive and effective approach to resolving family disputes. Here are some of the reasons why we’re the right choice for your family mediation needs:
1. Experienced Mediators
Our mediators bring years of expertise in dispute resolutions for families in the North East and the rest of the UK.
2. Confidential and impartial
The discussions you have with our mediators are entirely confidential and impartial, giving you the freedom to discuss and explore all options in a safe and controlled environment.
3. Cost-effective solutions
Mediation is typically faster and more affordable than going to court. Our family mediation service helps you save time, reduce legal expenses and achieve a fair solution without the stress of prolonged legal battles.
5. Proven success stories
Many of the families we have helped support over the years have shared their feedback. Scroll to the bottom of this page to find out how we’ve helped.
6. Support for all stage of disputes
Whether you are just looking to explore mediation as an option or seeking a resolution after other methods have failed, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Let's start a conversation
How we’ve helped
Apply for Family Mediation:
MIAMS
Any party wishing to engage in the mediation process must first of all attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This meeting allows one of our mediators to explain a little bit more about mediation on a one to one basis and establish the nature of the dispute, before deciding whether not mediation is appropriate.
It is essential to attend a MIAM before making an application to court. The mediator needs endorse court application forms to confirm attendance at a MIAM.
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How much is
Family Mediation?
Online Family Mediation Service Fees
MIAM
£120 per person + VAT
- Your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting will be conducted by an accredited family mediator.
- 45 minute meeting with 30 minutes preparation and follow up work
- Includes letters and phone calls to the other potential participant.
- Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Out of hours MIAM
£140 per person + VAT
Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 9am or 5pm and 8pm and Saturdays between 10am and 12.30pm.
Processing of court forms C100/ Form A where necessary
FREE
JOINT MEDIATION SESSION
£210 per person + VAT
- 90 minute joint mediation session conducted by an accredited family mediator.
- Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
- Includes document reviewing, record of session, routine follow up work and routine communication with you.
Out of hours JOINT MEDIATION SESSION
£240 per person + VAT
Monday to Friday between 5pm and 8pm and Saturdays between 10am and 12.30pm.
SHUTTLE MEDIATION SESSION
£280 per person plus VAT for a 2 hour joint mediation session conducted by an accredited mediator.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS/MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Written outcome statement – £120 per person + VAT
Crowther Mediation can also offer face to face mediation meetings across the UK. Please contact us directly to discuss fees and arrangements.
Family Mediation FAQs
1.What is mediation in family law?
Under family law, anyone wanting to make an application to court must first meet with a mediator to see if their case could be resolved through mediation rather than the court system. This meeting is called a MIAM – Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting.
If family mediation is not suitable in your case, the mediator will sign your court application form to confirm you have considered mediation.
2. Is the family mediation voucher scheme still working?
The mediation voucher scheme will expire in March 2025. It began in 2022 and has been renewed annually. However, as of December 2024, the government have not made any announcement regarding it’s renewal after March 2025.
3. Do I have to attend family mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process, so you don’t HAVE TO mediate if you don’t want to. However, you must meet with a mediator and consider mediation in a MIAM- Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting before being allowed to make an application to court.
4. Does family mediation work?
Yes. Mediation has a very high success rate. At Crowther Mediation over 85% of our cases settle at mediation without the need for court involvement.
5. How do I prepare for Mediation?
Mediation is not a substitute for legal advice. It is important to get good legal advice before coming to mediation, so you know what the likely outcomes at court would be. If you are discussing finances, it is important to have all your financial information available. During your MIAM, the mediator will explain more about the information required.
6. What to wear for mediation?
Remember mediation is not court. It is important to be comfortable as mediation can often be a long process. Read our ‘what to wear for mediation’ guide for more information.
Family Mediation guidance
Family Mediation in the North East
As well as the below locations in the North East of England, we also can support families living in all areas of the UK. Contact us now to find out more.
Other Mediation Services
Workplace Mediation
Workplace disputes can be very costly and time consuming for management. They can also have a negative effect on employee relations and on the wider organisation.
Learn more about Workplace Mediation
Civil Mediation
Civil disputes come in a range of forms and can feel both stressful and daunting for those involved. Our mediators help clients start conversations.
Learn more about Civil Mediation
Child Inclusive Mediation
Involving children during the mediation process is something we take very seriously. We are committed to getting this process right for children and their families.
Learn more about Child Inclusive Mediation
