The key to unlocking your conflict with family mediation and moving into the future…
Why should I use mediation?
Mediation is a fast, cost effective, highly successful way or resolving disputes. You may be eligible for legal aid for mediation.† Recent statistics show 80% of those attending mediation reach a settlement. It is much quicker and cheaper than going to court, and mediators can help you to find long-term solutions that work for you and your family. At Kee Mediation, we can advise on whether you qualify for legal aid for the mediation process.
[†] Legal aid offered in conjunction with Children 1st Mediation, Unit 3, 21 Phoenix St, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 3DN.
“Sarah our mediator put us at ease and explained the procedure perfectly. We felt she had a good understanding of our Grandsons situation which was a comfort. Sarah seemed very experienced and carried a calm, peaceful presence. Thank you Sarah.” – JD, 2026
“Mia and her team gave us a really professional service from start to finish during a very stressful time. I can’t thank the team at Kee Mediation enough and have no hesitation recommending them.” – MF, 2021
About Mediation
Whether you are recently separated, have been separated for some years or already in the court process, our fully accredited mediators can work with you to resolve matters and help you to find solutions that work for you. There are several stages in the process.
1. Intake or Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
Find out more about mediation, decide whether you would like to mediate and discuss your options with our professional mediators. If mediation is not suitable or you decide not to mediate, you can be issued with a court certificate (anyone wishing to start court proceedings, must now have a certificate from a mediator to confirm that they have attended a MIAM).
2. Optional Pre-mediation Coaching Sessions
You may chose a bespoke pre-mediation coaching session to prepare you for mediation. These sessions have been shown to improve outcomes and help you to consider what you need to move forward with your life, work through any emotional matters & provide you with the necessary skills to negotiate more effectively.
3. Mediation Sessions
Our mediators are fully accredited by the Family Mediation Council. They will guide you through the mediation process. Mediations sessions are usually 1.5hrs long and may take place face-to-face, separately (via shuttle mediation) or online. The timing and number of sessions are tailored to suit your individual needs.
4. End of Mediation
At the end of the mediation process, we can record your decisions and draft the proposals you reach into summaries, which can be made into legally binding arrangements by your legal advisors. We also offer after-care counselling and you always have the option to return to mediation at any time in the future.
5. Child Inclusive Mediation
In some cases our specially trained mediator can consult directly with children, allowing time for your child to express what they feel is best for them in a safe neural environment and enabling you to take their wishes into account in your decision making.
This short video explains how family mediators can support parents to focus on issues which may affect your family during mediation.
Do you need Legal Aid for Mediation?
If you are on a low income or if you receive certain benefits and do not have many savings or assets, you may qualify for legal aid. In this case, the mediation process would be FREE for you, even if you own your own home on your own or with your partner.
At Kee Mediation, our fully accredited family mediators are able to assess whether you are eligible for mediation legal aid at our Nottingham or Derby locations, which is offered in conjunction with Children 1st Mediation.
Very respectful…treated the situation fairly
Fran was very respectful of both me and my ex partner and treated the situation fairly. I would just like to thank Fran for her attempts to resolve the issues I have with my ex partner. Having an independent person who stays neutral was the most important thing throughout my mediation and that is exactly what Fran did for us.
Kind & very understanding
Very thorough, provided all the information we needed in a clear manner. Kind and very understanding.
Informative & supportive
She was very informative and supportive and shared all the relevant information quickly and clearly.
I am very grateful for Mia’s understanding
My health problems & pending operation date meant that Mia had to be flexible with her diary to allow the mediation to take place before I was confined to hospital for a month. I am very grateful for Mia's understanding of these timescales.
Our mediator really put me at ease
I thought the process would be complicated and daunting but our mediator Mia really put me at ease and explained things in a way that were easy to understand. I'm really glad we chose mediation as an option but also feel lucky that I found Kee Mediation and got Mia working our case. Everything was done with ease and done quickly. Thank you Mia & team.
Very professional, kind mediator.
While I was worried and sometimes emotional my mediator gave me time and kind assurance to explain my situation. Mediator provided advice and while in my situation mediation is not sufficient I have all information needed regarding next steps. Thank you Mia for your time, empathy that I needed so much and all information you provided.
A very compassionate approach and extremely professional
Mia explained the process clearly and concisely from the initial telephone conversation. She had a very compassionate approach and was extremely professional. Mia talked me through the process and managed my expectations as well as helping me understand the process step by step and timescales. Mia was very approachable and made me feel listened to and understood my complex situation and how upsetting this was for me. She made me realise that this could be resolved and that made me feel better immediately.
Helpful and patient
Very helpful, patient with me and the other party was amazing, we had a laugh through the meetings aswell; was honestly amazing.
How does mediation work?
Watch the video to find out how mediation can help you and your family resolve conflict and move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mediation?
Mediation is a way of resolving disputes that is less stressful than and quicker and usually much cheaper than going to court. Our mediators are fully accredited by the Family Mediation Council; they can help you to find solutions that work for you and take into account your particular issues, concerns and needs. You can mediate any dispute arising during or after separation, divorce, dissolution of civil partnership or any other family dispute. You may need to make decisions about childcare arrangements, finance and property matters, pre-nuptial & co-habitation arrangements or any family dispute involving young people or other family members. Our professional mediators can help you to consider all the issues and options on both sides, and you decide on the solutions that work for you.
Why mediate?
Mediation is a highly successful way, quick and cheaper way of resolving disputes. Recent statistics show 89% of those attending mediation reach a settlement.
You retain control of the process, from the decision as to whether to mediate to the solutions you reach. When you take a case to court, a judgment may not take into account the interests of both sides, but rather be settled on points of law. Our professional mediators can help you to consider the issues and options on both sides, and you get to decide on amicable solutions that work for you. Through mediating often hostility is reduced and relationships can be improved and preserved.
Who can refer to mediation?
Anyone can refer to mediation and you can get in touch with us as soon as you need help to resolve things. You do not have to see a solicitor first. Whenever possible, we aim to see you within 7 days of receiving a referral for an initial intake and assessment meeting. You can complete the referral form here.
Who is a mediator?
Our specially trained, fully accredited mediators act as an impartial, neutral party who can help you to resolve your dispute, by assisting you in exploring your options and find practical solutions that really work for you. The mediator can give you information to help you reach your solutions, but you retain the ultimate control about the outcomes you reach. The mediator can then record the details of the solutions you reach in mediation for you to take to your solicitors and convert into legally binding agreements or court orders, if necessary.
How long does it take?
Mediation is typically much faster than a court process, and disputes can often be resolved within a matter of weeks. The length of mediation is dependent on your individual circumstances and the complexity of the dispute. However, resolving childcare arrangements typically takes 1-3 sessions. For resolving child and finance issues, the average number of sessions is 2-4. Since 2011, everyone must attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting), before legal proceedings can be commenced, unless exceptions apply.
How much does it cost?
You might qualify for free legal aid for your mediation process at our Nottingham or Derby locations[†]. Legal costs to settle a dispute in court typically cost a minimum of £3,000 each.
Even if you are not eligible for legal aid, mediation is a much cheaper option than going to court. See our cost breakdown here. Whilst the cost of mediation depends on the number of sessions needed, in mediation the costs are typically shared between you. We offer fixed fees that are inclusive of VAT, with no hidden additional costs for session notes and letters. Some mediation services charge extra for this.
[†] Legal aid offered in conjunction with Children 1st Mediation, Unit 3, 21 Phoenix St, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 3DN.
Online MIAMS/ Mediation
We now offer online mediation in cases where it is difficult or impossible for people to meet face to face. There are several different platforms that can be used: Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom and Facetime. Please contact us to discuss this option further.
Optional pre-mediation coaching sessions and aftercare
We offer a bespoke optional pre-mediation coaching session to help prepare you for mediation, that have been shown to improve the outcome of mediation. This session is aimed at helping you to consider your needs, communicate your concerns, work through any emotional matters that may affect your ability to negotiate and provide you with the necessary skills to negotiate more effectively. We can also offer counselling alongside mediation and/ or after the end of mediation. Contact us to discuss this.
Meet the team
We genuinely care about you, your situation and your family; we do everything we can to prepare you for the mediation process and to help it run smoothly.
Our mediators are fully accredited by the Family Mediation Council.
We aim to see you within 7 days for an initial appointment and our professional mediators will work with you to tailor your mediation to your individual needs. Our fixed fees are inclusive of VAT with no hidden costs and we offer flexible appointment locations and times to suit you. For your convenience, we can also offer online MIAMs and mediation. Optional bespoke pre-mediation coaching sessions to prepare you for mediation, support whilst mediating and after-care counselling are all available via our network of experienced counsellors and psychotherapists.
Mia Kee
Founder and Mediator
In brief | Mia is a mediator working in family, community and Special Educational Needs (SEN) mediation. Mia also works as a consultant mediator for ‘Children 1st Mediation’, and for ‘Prime Resolution’ in the West Midlands.
Experience | Mia qualified as a counsellor/psychotherapist in 2006. Mia worked in private practice, primarily with family and relationship therapies, as well as undertaking a highly specialised service, dedicated to the area of domestic violence, with the police and associated stakeholders.
Get to know Mia | When she’s not working, Mia likes cheese and wine, comedy, rock music and is always last to leave the dance floor!
Mia is a PPC (Practice Consultant and Supervisor)
Lauren Windmill
Office ManagerIn brief | As Kee Mediation’s Office Manager, Lauren is your first point of contact. She coordinates appointments, manages documentation and paperwork, and supports you throughout the mediation process. Working closely with each mediator and leading a dedicated team of administrators, Lauren helps ensure every client enjoys a personalised, seamless experience from start to finish.
Experience | Lauren is passionate about providing exceptional customer service and is committed to making every client’s journey with Kee Mediation as smooth and stress-free as possible. With more than 10 years’ experience in administration and customer service, she is highly organised, detail-oriented, and takes pride in ensuring every aspect of the office runs efficiently and professionally.
Get to know Janet | Outside of work, Lauren enjoys expressing her creative side as a performer and loves spending time on stage whenever she can. She is also a keen yoga enthusiast, finding that the practice helps her stay balanced, focused, and energised – qualities she brings to her role at Kee Mediation every day.
Cheryl Edwards
MediatorIn brief | Cheryl has been registered with the Family Mediation Council since 2018 and is a Child Inclusive Mediator. Cheryl also works directly with children and parents to improve relationships.
Experience | Cheryl spent 20 years working with teenagers and parents to prevent homelessness through relationship breakdown. She had an article published 2026 in the College Of Mediators Journal, where she adapted and evaluated her work in Child Inclusive Mediation to fit the Lundy Model of children’s participation. Cheryl now uses these findings to train other mediators and is passionate about children’s wellbeing and meeting their needs.
When not working | Cheryl enjoys playing netball in a social league and coastal walks. She has two daughters in their late teens and a naughty Beagle at home.
Francesca Bishop
MediatorIn brief | Fran has been a family mediator with the FMA (Family Mediation Association) since 2020, accrediting with the FMC (Family Mediation Council) in 2023 with a background as a commercial lawyer and experience from a range of charitable work including Citizens Advice.
Experience | Fran practiced as a solicitor for most of her career and volunteered with Erlestoke Family and Friends (prison rehabilitation) and as a school governor. She is also a qualified Child Inclusive Mediator.
Get to know Fran | When she is not working Fran is gardening, walking her two collies or feeding her four cats. She has raised 3 kids who are now young adults, who luckily take it in turns to reappear at home.
Sarah MacDonald
MediatorIn brief | Sarah has a particular interest in helping families navigate their child arrangements.
Experience | Sarah has a wealth of experience in different work settings including running her own businesses, as well as working in the wellbeing, retail & tourism/hospitality sectors. Her business experience provides her with a good sense for figures which is beneficial in Financial cases and she balances that with an empathic approach to mediation and wishes to make the clients feel comfortable. She continues to volunteer and support children in different ways, locally and nationally.
Get to know Sarah | When not working Sarah can be found at the seaside, walking her dog or enjoying her paddleboard. She has three teenagers that keep her on her toes.
Danielle La Roche
Professional CounsellorIn brief | Mia & Danielle have developed a bespoke pre-mediation package, of coaching sessions. These sessions equip you with the skills to negotiate more effectively, and are shown to improve the outcome of mediation. Danielle also offers counselling to Kee Mediation clients before, during and after mediation.
Experience | Danielle is a lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Derby University and an experienced professional counsellor, clinical supervisor and life coach, who has worked with a wide variety of clients and issues. Whilst Danielle has worked in different settings including the charitable sector, she now runs a successful private practice.
Get to know Danielle | When she’s not working, Danielle enjoys spending time with friends and family, weekends away, quality coffee; and reading.
Costs
All costs are fixed and inclusive of VAT & other charges.
Initial Info Session (MIAM)
£140pp
Joint mediation (90 minutes)
£210pp
(No additional charge for session notes or draft financial summaries)
Co-mediation (1.5 hrs)
£300pp
(2 mediators; no additional charge for session notes or draft financial summaries)
Drafting of Parenting Plan
£240pp
Drafting of Financial Docs
£325pp
Optional coaching session
£75pp
Signed court form
£60
(flat fee even if several forms required)
Download our PDF Client Information Leaflet.
You may be eligible FREE mediation if you are assessed as being eligible for legal aid[†]. Legal costs for court proceedings typically cost a minimum of £3,000 each. Even if you are not eligible for legal aid, mediation is a much cheaper option than going to court. We understand that you want to know what you will be paying for mediation, so we offer fixed fees that are inclusive of VAT, with no hidden additional costs for session notes and letters. Some mediation services charge extra for this. Anyone wishing to start court proceedings, must now have a certificate from a mediator to confirm that they have attended a MIAM. Following a MIAM or mediation, if you require a signed court form by a mediator (mediator’s certificate), C100/ Form A/ FM1, we offer this for a flat fee of £35 (even if you require more than the one form).
If you do not qualify for legal aid, but are on a low income, we offer a reduced rate. Please ask us about this!
Mediation sessions are usually 1.5 hrs long and the number of session required is dependent on your individual circumstances. As a guide, resolving childcare arrangements typically takes 1-3 sessions. For resolving child and finance issues, the average number of sessions is 2-4
We offer bespoke optional pre-mediation coaching sessions to help you to prepare for mediation. Contact us to find out more.
[†] Legal aid offered in conjunction with Children 1st Mediation, Unit 3, 21 Phoenix St, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 3DN.
Contact Us
Whenever possible, we aim to see you within 7 days for an initial meeting (MIAM). We offer mediation in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire at times and locations to suit you. Our locations include: Nottingham centre, Derby, Castle Donington, West Bridgford, Beeston, Long Eaton, Hucknall, Belper and Nuthall. For your convenience we also offer online MIAMs and mediation, and we can offer mediation at other locations upon request.
Email: info@keemediation.co.uk
Phone: 0333 772 7789
