About Hants Family Mediation
We are a family mediation service supporting separating and separated families across Hampshire, with online appointments available across England and Wales.
Our role is to give people a calmer, more structured way to work through decisions about children, finances and separation — without the cost, delay and pressure of going straight to court.
Who We Are
Hants Family Mediation provides confidential, impartial family mediation for people who need to make decisions after a relationship has ended.
Our mediators are accredited by the Family Mediation Council, the professional body for family mediation in England and Wales. Sessions are available in person across Hampshire and online for people who cannot travel or prefer to take part from home.
Most people come to us at a difficult point — sometimes after months of stalled conversations, sometimes because a court application requires a MIAM first. You do not need to have everything worked out before you get in touch, and you do not need to know whether mediation is right for you. That is what the first appointment is for.
Our Purpose and Approach
Family mediation is a structured process, not an informal chat. A mediator helps both people identify what actually needs to be decided, keeps the discussion practical, and supports both sides in exploring options they can each live with.
Impartial
The mediator does not act for either person, does not take sides and does not decide who is right. Their job is to help both people communicate — not to advocate for either of them.
Voluntary
Family mediation is usually a voluntary process that depends on both people taking part willingly and safely. Either person can decide it is not for them, and the mediator may decide that mediation is not suitable or should not continue where there are safety or safeguarding concerns.
Confidential
Discussions in mediation are treated confidentially. Confidentiality is not absolute — information may need to be shared where there is a serious risk of harm, a child protection concern or a legal requirement.
Child-focused
Where children are involved, the conversation stays centred on their welfare, their routine and what will work for them day to day.
Mediation is not legal advice. A mediator cannot advise either person on their legal position. If you need advice about your rights, a court order or a legally binding document, you should speak to a qualified solicitor alongside the mediation process.
How We Support Separating Families
Different families need different things. These are the services we offer, and each one has its own page explaining how it works and who it suits.
MIAM Appointments
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is a private, individual appointment — usually the first step, and in many family court matters a requirement before you can apply to court unless an exemption applies.
Child Arrangement Mediation
For parents working out where children live, how contact will work, and how to share holidays, school time and handovers.
Divorce & Separation Mediation
A structured space to discuss what happens next — children, living arrangements, financial responsibilities and how you will communicate going forward.
Financial & Property Mediation
For discussions about the family home, savings, pensions, debts and how finances will be handled after separation.
Online Family Mediation
The same structured process, held by video call. Useful where travel, childcare, work patterns or distance make attending in person difficult.
Shuttle Mediation
Both people take part, but never in the same room or the same online space. The mediator moves between them. An option where being in the same room would be too difficult.
Practical Information
Where mediation takes place
We support families throughout Hampshire, and online mediation is available more widely across England and Wales. Whether an appointment is held in person or online is discussed with you when you make your enquiry. If you are unsure whether we cover your location, please get in touch and we will explain what may be possible.
How the process usually starts
Most people begin with a MIAM. It is a private appointment — just you and the mediator — where you can ask questions, explain your situation and find out whether mediation is likely to be suitable. Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation.
Help with costs
Legal aid may be available for family mediation if you meet the financial eligibility criteria, and the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may provide a contribution towards eligible cases involving child arrangements. Eligibility and availability are assessed individually and can change, so please ask when you enquire.
About legal aid and the voucher scheme →
When mediation may not be suitable
Mediation is not right for every situation. Safety, safeguarding concerns, domestic abuse, intimidation or a serious imbalance between the two people can all mean mediation should not go ahead. Suitability is assessed carefully and confidentially before any joint session is arranged, and you should be open about any concerns from the outset.
Talk to Us About Your Situation
If you would like to understand your options, ask a question or arrange a MIAM, get in touch and we will explain the next steps clearly.
Confidential enquiry. No obligation.