When you refer a client to us, you can expect a prompt response, clear communication, and a service that reflects well on your professional relationship with them.
We regularly receive referrals from:
If you work with families experiencing separation, relationship breakdown, or disputed inheritance and you're unsure whether mediation is appropriate for a particular client, call us before referring — we're happy to talk it through.
All of our mediators are accredited or working towards accreditation with the Family Mediation Council (FMC). We have particular experience in:
We are a Legal Aid provider. Clients who qualify can access mediation at no cost or reduced cost, which removes a significant barrier to engagement.
We also administer the Government's £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme on behalf of our clients. Vouchers are available for cases involving child arrangements, and we handle all the paperwork — your client does not need to manage this themselves.
If you are unsure whether your client is likely to qualify for Legal Aid or voucher support, call us and we can advise.
We aim to contact referred clients within 1 working days of receiving a referral.
Once a referral is received, we will:
MIAMs can be arranged online, which significantly speeds up availability. Most clients can be seen within [X] working days of their referral.
We are a registered charity (No. 1041476), not a commercial provider. Our mediators are focused on outcomes, not billing hours. Clients consistently tell us they feel heard, supported, and better equipped to move forward after working with us.
"The Family Mediation Trust is our first call when a client needs mediation. They respond quickly, keep us updated, and our clients always feel well supported through what is a difficult process."
"We regularly refer families in complex situations to the Trust, including cases involving safeguarding concerns. They handle sensitive referrals with real care and professionalism."
"As a charity ourselves, we value working with an organisation that shares our commitment to accessible, affordable support. The Trust goes out of its way to accommodate clients who wouldn't otherwise be able to access mediation."
The fastest way to refer. Complete our online form and we will contact your client directly.
We will confirm receipt of your referral within one working day.
Prefer to speak to us first? Call us to discuss the case before making a formal referral.
Norfolk and surrounding areas: 01603 620588 Cambridge and surrounding areas: 01223 576308
Email: families@thefamilymediationtrust.org
Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
To process your referral quickly, please provide:
You do not need to have spoken to the other party before referring. We will manage initial contact and assess suitability at MIAM.
If, following the MIAM, the mediator assesses that mediation is not appropriate — due to safeguarding concerns, non-engagement by the other party, or any other reason — we will issue a MIAM certificate confirming this. Your client can then proceed to court if needed.
Yes. If a case is time-sensitive — for example, where a court hearing is approaching — please call us directly rather than submitting the online form, and we will do our best to prioritise.
No. We only need one party to make contact. We will invite the second party to attend their own separate MIAM.
We deliver the majority of our mediation online, which means we can work with clients across England including Norwich, Cambridge, Peterborough, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn, Bedford, Bury St Edmunds, Harlow, Chelmsford, and Leiston. If you are unsure whether we cover your client's area, please call us.
With your client's consent, we are happy to confirm when their MIAM has taken place and whether mediation is proceeding. We will not share details of what is discussed without explicit consent from both parties.
Complete our online referral form or call us to discuss a case. We are always happy to talk through whether mediation is the right option before you make a formal referral.