National Family Mediation (NFM): UK Guide 2026

What is National Family Mediation?

National Family Mediation (NFM) is one of the largest and most established providers of family mediation services in England and Wales. As a charitable organisation, National Family Mediation has been helping separating families since 1981.

National Family Mediation offers:

• MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meetings)
• Mediation for child arrangements
• Mediation for financial and property matters
• All-issues mediation (children and finances together)
• Legal aid funded mediation
• Family Mediation Voucher Scheme access

With a network of local services across the country, National Family Mediation makes professional mediation accessible to families throughout England and Wales.

How National Family Mediation Works

The National Family Mediation service follows a structured process designed to help you reach agreement:

Stage 1: MIAM with National Family Mediation

Your journey with National Family Mediation typically starts with a MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting):

• Individual meeting (not with your ex initially)
• Learn about the mediation process
• Discuss your situation
• Assess whether mediation is suitable
• Check legal aid eligibility
• Receive MIAM certificate if required for court

Stage 2: Joint Mediation Sessions

If both parties agree to proceed with National Family Mediation:

• Joint sessions with both parties and a mediator
• Structured discussions on relevant issues
• Focus on children's needs and practical solutions
• Financial disclosure if financial matters are discussed
• Working towards written agreements

Stage 3: Reaching Agreement through National Family Mediation

Successful NFM mediation produces:

• Memorandum of Understanding (summary of agreements)
• Parenting Plan (if children involved)
• Open Financial Statement (if finances discussed)

These can be made legally binding through a consent order with a solicitor.

National Family Mediation Cost: What You Will Pay

National Family Mediation cost varies depending on your circumstances and location:

National Family Mediation Cost for Self-Funders

| Service | National Family Mediation Cost | |---------|-------------------------------| | MIAM (per person) | £90-£150 | | Mediation session (per person) | £100-£200 | | Typical 4-session case | £800-£1,600 total |

Costs vary by local National Family Mediation service

Free National Family Mediation: Legal Aid

National Family Mediation is free with legal aid if you:

• Meet the financial eligibility criteria
• Have a case involving children or domestic abuse
• Are not just dealing with finances (unless domestic abuse applies)

Check your eligibility at Gov.uk Legal Aid.

National Family Mediation Cost with Voucher Scheme

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can reduce National Family Mediation cost significantly:

• Up to £500 towards mediation costs
• Available for child-related disputes
• Can be used with National Family Mediation
• Check Gov.uk guidance for details

Finding National Family Mediation Near Me

National Family Mediation has services across England and Wales. To find National Family Mediation near me:

Option 1: NFM Website

Visit the official National Family Mediation website to search by location and find your nearest service.

Option 2: NFM Helpline

Contact the National Family Mediation helpline for guidance on local services and next steps.

Option 3: FMC Find a Mediator

The Family Mediation Council directory includes National Family Mediation services alongside other providers.

What to Expect from Your Local National Family Mediation Service

Local NFM family mediation services typically offer:

• Face-to-face mediation at local venues
• Online/video mediation options
• Evening and weekend appointments (varies by service)
• Accessible venues
• Experienced, FMC-accredited mediators

National Family Mediation vs Other Providers

How does National Family Mediation compare to other options?

| Aspect | National Family Mediation | Private Mediators | Solicitor-Led | |--------|--------------------------|-------------------|---------------| | Status | Charitable network | Independent | Commercial | | Cost | Standard-Lower | Varies | Often higher | | Legal Aid | Yes | Some | Some | | Coverage | Widespread | Variable | Variable | | Specialism | Family only | Usually family | May be general | | Regulation | FMC accredited | FMC accredited | SRA regulated |

Advantages of National Family Mediation

• Charitable ethos — Not profit-driven
• Extensive network — Services across England and Wales
• Experience — Over 40 years of family mediation
• Legal aid — Full legal aid service
• Accessibility — Local services nationwide

When to Consider Alternatives to National Family Mediation

• Complex financial cases may benefit from solicitor-led mediation
• Very rural areas may have limited NFM coverage
• Some private mediators offer more flexible scheduling
• Specific needs (e.g., high-conflict) may suit specialist mediators

National Family Mediation and Legal Aid

As a major legal aid provider, National Family Mediation can help if you qualify:

Legal Aid Through National Family Mediation

National Family Mediation legal aid covers:

• MIAM assessment
• All mediation sessions
• Production of agreements
• No cost to you if eligible

Who Qualifies for Legal Aid with National Family Mediation?

You may qualify for free NFM mediation if:

• You receive certain benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, etc.)
• Your income and capital are below thresholds
• Your case involves children or domestic abuse

Check legal aid eligibility on Gov.uk or ask National Family Mediation to assess you.

Learn more about legal aid mediation.

What National Family Mediation Covers

National Family Mediation can help with:

Child Arrangements with National Family Mediation

• Where children will live
• Time spent with each parent
• Holiday and special occasion arrangements
• Communication and handovers
• School and education decisions
• Health and welfare matters

Creating a parenting plan through National Family Mediation helps implement agreements.

Financial Matters with National Family Mediation

• Division of property and the family home
• Pension sharing arrangements
• Savings and investments
• Debts and liabilities
• Spousal maintenance
• Child maintenance discussions

Financial disclosure is required for financial mediation through NFM.

All-Issues Mediation with National Family Mediation

Many cases through National Family Mediation cover both children and finances together, providing a comprehensive approach to separation.

The National Family Mediation MIAM Process

The MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) with National Family Mediation is your starting point:

What Happens at an NFM MIAM?

Learn more about what is a MIAM.

National Family Mediation: Frequently Asked Questions

Is National Family Mediation the same as Cafcass?

No. National Family Mediation is a mediation provider helping couples reach agreements. Cafcass is the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, which advises courts on children's welfare. They serve different functions, though both aim to support families.

Do I have to use National Family Mediation?

No. National Family Mediation is one option among many. You can choose any FMC-accredited mediator. However, NFM is a well-established, charitable option with good coverage across England and Wales.

How long does National Family Mediation take?

Most cases with National Family Mediation are resolved in 3-6 sessions over 2-4 months. Complex cases may take longer. This is typically much faster than court proceedings, which can take 12+ months.

Can National Family Mediation force my ex to attend?

No. Mediation is voluntary. National Family Mediation will invite the other party, but cannot force them to participate. If they refuse, you can proceed to court with your MIAM certificate.

Is what I say in National Family Mediation confidential?

Yes, mediation is confidential. What is said in NFM mediation cannot be used in court. There are limited exceptions for safeguarding concerns or criminal matters. This confidentiality helps people speak openly.

Can I bring a solicitor to National Family Mediation?

National Family Mediation sessions are usually just the parties and the mediator. However, you can (and should) take independent legal advice outside sessions. Some mediators offer "legally assisted mediation" where solicitors attend.

Preparing for National Family Mediation

Make the most of your National Family Mediation sessions:

Before Your NFM Sessions

• Know what issues need resolving
• Gather financial information (for financial mediation)
• Think about priorities and areas of flexibility
• Consider children's needs and wishes
• Chat with Miam to prepare your thoughts

During National Family Mediation Sessions

• Listen as well as speak
• Focus on the future, not past grievances
• Keep children's welfare central
• Be honest, especially about finances
• Stay open to creative solutions

After National Family Mediation

• Take agreements to a solicitor to make them binding
• Implement parenting plans using co-parenting apps
• Return to NFM if issues arise later

Summary: National Family Mediation

National Family Mediation is a leading provider of family mediation in England and Wales:

• Charitable status — Not profit-driven
• Widespread coverage — Services across the country
• Full range — Children, finances, or both
• Legal aid provider — Free for those who qualify
• Voucher scheme — Up to £500 towards costs
• FMC accredited — Professional, regulated mediators

Whether you use National Family Mediation or another provider, mediation offers a faster, cheaper, and less adversarial route than court for resolving family disputes.

Next Steps for National Family Mediation

1. Understand what a MIAM involves
2. Learn about family mediation generally
3. Check mediation costs and funding options
4. Explore the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
5. Understand legal aid eligibility

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Official Resources

For authoritative information on National Family Mediation:

NFM Official

• NFM Website - Main site
• NFM Find a Mediator - 500+ locations
• NFM Costs - £600-1,000 typical
• NFM Voucher Scheme - £500 contribution
• NFM Training - Mediator training (£2,850)

Charity & Governance

• Charity Commission - NFM - Registered charity 1074796
• Companies House - Company information

Government Funding

• Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - £500 Gov.uk
• Voucher Scheme Analysis - Success rates
• Legal Aid Calculator - Free mediation eligibility
• Legal Aid Statistics Q1 2025 - Latest data

FMC Membership

• Family Mediation Council - NFM is member organisation
• FMC Standards - Professional standards
• FMC Code of Practice - Ethical requirements

Support

• Citizens Advice - Free guidance
• AdviceNow - Mediation guide