Choose mediation, not court.
Sort out the children, the money and the house around a table in Guildford, or online. Calmer, quicker, and a fraction of the cost of solicitors.
Or call Lucy on 07934 249434
- Trained with [course provider]
- Supervised by [supervisor name], FMC accredited
- In person in Guildford or online
- Evening appointments available
Whatever stage you're at
Most people arrive here in one of three situations.
Where the children live and when
Living arrangements, school runs, holidays, handovers and a written parenting plan you both signed up to.
Money, pensions and the house
Working out who gets what, with the paperwork a solicitor needs to make it binding.
"I've been told I need a MIAM"
Before applying to court you usually have to attend one. It's a single meeting, and it's often where the whole thing gets resolved anyway.
How it works
-
Your MIAM
A one-to-one meeting with me. I explain the process, check mediation is right for you, and answer your questions. Your ex has their own, separately.
About 45 minutes -
Joint sessions
You, your ex and me, in the same room or on separate screens if you'd rather not face each other. We work through the issues one at a time.
Usually 2 to 4 sessions -
Your written agreement
You leave with a clear document setting out what you've agreed. A solicitor can turn it into a court order if you want one.
Sent within a week
What it costs
No hidden fees. Everything is per person, so you each pay your own share.
| Session | Price |
|---|---|
| MIAM Your first meeting, on your own with me | £60 usually £120 |
| Joint mediation session Per person, per hour. Most sessions run 90 minutes. | £[XX] |
| Shuttle mediation Separate rooms, I go between you | £[XX] |
| Memorandum of Understanding The written record of what you agreed | £[XX] |
| Open Financial Statement Needed if you're dividing finances | £[XX] |
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. You may be able to claim up to £500 towards the cost of mediation about children. [CONFIRM: check the scheme is still open and that Lucy's authorisation to issue vouchers is in place before publishing this paragraph — see LAUNCH-CHECKLIST.md.]
Hello, I'm Lucy
I'm a family mediator based in Guildford. I came to this work because I watched people I care about spend a year and most of their savings fighting in court over things they could have agreed in an afternoon with the right person in the room.
I'm in the final stage of my accreditation with the Family Mediation Council. In practice that means two things for you: every case I take on is supervised by [supervisor name], an accredited mediator with [X] years' experience, and you pay half the usual rate while I complete that process. Same process, same paperwork, closer attention.
I'm not a judge and I'm not a therapist. My job is to keep the conversation fair, keep it moving, and make sure both of you leave with something you can actually live with.
Book a MIAM with LucyQuestions people ask
Do I have to do a MIAM before going to court?
In most cases, yes. Before you can apply for a child arrangements or financial order the court expects you to have attended a MIAM, unless an exemption applies (for example where there has been domestic abuse). [CONFIRM: only an FMC-registered mediator can sign the court form. Reword this answer to match Lucy's current registration status.]
What if my ex refuses to come?
You can still have your own MIAM, and I'll write to your ex inviting them to theirs. If they don't engage, that can be recorded on the court form so you can go ahead with an application.
Is what we agree legally binding?
Not on its own. The agreement is written up as a Memorandum of Understanding, which a solicitor can turn into a consent order the court approves. Most couples do this; it's far cheaper than starting from scratch with solicitors.
Can we do it online?
Yes. MIAMs and joint sessions both work over video, and I can put you in separate virtual rooms if you'd rather not see each other.
You're still training. What does that mean for me?
I've completed the training course and am building the supervised hours needed for full accreditation. My supervisor reviews every case. You get the same process and the same documents, at half the price. When I'm fully accredited the price goes up, so if you book now you keep the lower rate for your whole case.
How much does mediation cost compared to solicitors?
A contested court case through solicitors commonly runs into five figures per person and takes a year or more. A full mediation with me, including the written agreement, is usually a few hundred pounds each and done in a couple of months.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes, with limits. What you say in mediation can't normally be used in court. The exceptions are where someone is at risk of harm — particularly a child — or where the law requires disclosure. Financial information you exchange is openly disclosed so it can be used in a consent order. I'll explain all of this at your MIAM.
Book your MIAM
Tell me a little about your situation and I'll come back to you within one working day with times that suit. In person at [meeting room address], Guildford, or online. Evenings available.
If you or a child are in immediate danger, call 999. Mediation is not a safe or appropriate route where there is ongoing abuse. For confidential support call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, free, 24 hours.
lucy@choosemediation.co.uk
[Meeting room address]
Guildford, Surrey GU1
Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, plus evening appointments