Professional Family Mediation Services in Oxford

Family mediation is a voluntary process that helps families resolve disputes with the support of an impartial, qualified mediator. Our Oxford family mediators work with parents, couples and extended families at different stages of separation, whether discussions are just beginning or already underway.

We regularly support clients with:

·       Child arrangements and parenting plans

·       Financial and property matters following separation

·       Divorce and separation mediation

·       Ongoing communication difficulties

·       Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs)

Mediation can take place before, during or alongside solicitor involvement, and agreements reached can be reviewed independently if required.

A Peaceful and Constructive Approach to Family Disputes

Many families in Oxford choose mediation as a constructive way to address issues in a private and structured setting. Rather than focusing on positions, mediation encourages open discussion and problem-solving, helping families explore options and clarify priorities.

Clients often value mediation because it:

·       Supports respectful and productive conversations

·       Allows issues to be explored at a manageable pace

·       Encourages child-focused decision-making

·       Helps reduce uncertainty and emotional strain

·       Can make any subsequent legal process more focused and efficient

For some families, mediation resolves matters fully. For others, it plays an important role alongside legal advice, helping discussions progress more smoothly.

Local Family Mediators Serving Oxford and Oxfordshire

We provide family mediation services throughout Oxford and the surrounding areas, including:

·       Headington

·       Cowley

·       Summertown

·       Botley

·       Abingdon

·       Kidlington

·       Didcot

·       Bicester

·       Cumnor

Our local knowledge, combined with professional mediation expertise, allows us to support families across Oxfordshire and the wider Thames Valley with consistency and care.

Child-Focused Family Mediation in Oxford

Where children are involved, mediation offers parents a structured way to focus on arrangements that support stability and wellbeing. Our mediators help parents in Oxford have clear, child-centred discussions that look forward rather than revisiting past conflict.

This can include support with:

·       Living and contact arrangements

·       School routines, holidays and special occasions

·       Communication between parents

·       Developing practical co-parenting plans

A child-focused approach often helps parents create arrangements that are more workable and sustainable over time.

Property and Finance Mediation in Oxford

Family mediation can also support discussions around financial and property matters following separation or divorce. Our mediators help clients in Oxford explore financial issues in a structured and transparent way, creating space for informed and constructive conversations.

This may include discussion of:

·       The family home and other property

·       Savings, pensions and other assets

·       Ongoing financial arrangements

·       Practical planning for future needs

Mediation does not replace legal advice, and mediators do not provide financial or legal determinations. Many clients choose to obtain independent legal advice alongside mediation, particularly when formalising any agreement. Used in this way, financial mediation can help clarify options, reduce uncertainty and support more efficient decision-making.

MAIM Appointments in Oxford

If you are considering making an application to the family court, a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is usually required, unless an exemption applies. We offer MIAM appointments for clients in Oxford, providing clear information about mediation and whether it may be suitable for your circumstances.

MIAMs are also helpful for anyone who wants to understand their options before deciding how to proceed.

Family Mediation Across Oxford and the Thames Valley

In addition to Oxford, we work with families across the Thames Valley, including Reading, Henley-on-Thames, Wokingham and Bracknell. This regional experience allows us to support clients consistently, whether mediation takes place locally, online, or as part of a wider professional support framework.

Family Mediation in Oxford - Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a solicitor if I use family mediation?

You do not need a solicitor to take part in mediation. However, many clients choose to obtain independent legal advice alongside mediation, particularly before finalising any agreement.

Is family mediation legally binding?

Mediation itself is not legally binding. Where appropriate, agreements reached in mediation can be made legally binding with the support of a solicitor.

Is mediation suitable if communication is difficult?

Yes. Mediators are trained to manage difficult conversations and ensure discussions remain balanced, respectful and focused on practical outcomes.

Do I have to attend mediation before going to court?

In most cases, attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is required before making an application to the family court, unless a valid exemption applies.

How long does family mediation usually take?

The length of mediation varies depending on the issues involved. Some matters can be resolved in a small number of sessions, while others may take longer.

Can mediation help with child arrangements?

Yes. Family mediation is commonly used to help parents agree child arrangements and parenting plans that reflect the needs of their children.

Start Family Mediation in Oxford

If you are navigating separation, parenting decisions or financial discussions, family mediation can offer a clear and forward-looking way to move ahead.

Contact us to:

·       Arrange an initial 15 minute free consultation

·       Book a MIAM appointment in Oxford

·       Discuss whether mediation is appropriate for your situation

Early, well-supported conversations often lead to more durable and workable outcomes.