Solicitor referrals for family mediation
Refer clients to Lakes Mediation for MIAMs, family mediation, children arrangements, financial mediation, online mediation and suitable pre-court assessment.
Referral support
- MIAM referrals
- Children arrangements mediation
- Financial mediation
- Online and shuttle mediation
- Client contact following referral
A clear referral route for family mediation
Lakes Mediation accepts referrals from solicitors and professional referrers where clients need a MIAM, family mediation assessment or structured mediation support after separation.
We can support clients with children arrangements, financial disclosure, property, pensions, communication, online mediation and cases where a pre-court mediation step needs to be considered.
Referral areas we can support
MIAMs
Individual mediation information and assessment meetings where a client needs to understand whether mediation is suitable before any further step.
Children arrangements
Mediation around living arrangements, time with each parent, school holidays, handovers, communication and wider parenting issues.
Financial mediation
Structured mediation around disclosure, property, pensions, savings, debts, business interests and practical financial proposals.
How the referral process works
| 1. Referral received | You send the referral form or contact Lakes Mediation with the client’s details and the mediation issue. |
| 2. Client contacted | We contact the client to explain the next step and arrange an assessment where appropriate. |
| 3. MIAM or assessment | The client attends an individual meeting with a mediator to consider suitability, safety and the issues in dispute. |
| 4. Other party invited | If appropriate, the other party may be invited to attend their own MIAM or assessment. |
| 5. Mediation begins | If mediation is suitable and both parties agree to proceed, joint mediation, online mediation or shuttle mediation can be arranged. |
| 6. Progress updates | Where appropriate and authorised, we can update the referring solicitor on referral progress and next steps. |
For solicitors
Use the referral form where a client needs a MIAM, mediation assessment, child arrangements mediation, financial mediation or online family mediation.
We aim to provide a clear route into assessment and to keep the process straightforward for both the referrer and the client.
For clients
Clients can be referred for a confidential assessment with a trained family mediator. The mediator explains the process, checks suitability and considers whether mediation can assist.
Mediation can help clients stay focused on practical decisions rather than escalating immediately into court proceedings.
Download the solicitor referral forms
Use the referral form to send client details for family mediation, MIAM assessment or a suitable next step. Please ensure the client has consented to their details being shared before sending a referral.
Common reasons for referral
Pre-court MIAM
Where a client needs to understand the mediation requirement before making a family court application.
Child arrangements
Where parents need a structured route to discuss time, routines, holidays, handovers or communication.
Financial disclosure
Where separating couples need to discuss financial information, property, debts, pensions or future arrangements.
Online mediation
Where remote mediation is more practical because of distance, work patterns, childcare, health or logistics.
Shuttle mediation
Where direct discussion may not be appropriate but separate-room or separate-screen mediation could be considered.
Legal aid checks
Where a client may need an assessment to see whether legal aid mediation funding could apply.
Solicitor referral FAQs
| Who can make a referral? | Solicitors and professional referrers can refer clients who need a MIAM, family mediation assessment or mediation support. |
| Can you contact the client directly? | Yes, provided the client has consented to their details being shared for referral purposes. |
| Do you provide updates? | Where appropriate, authorised and compliant with confidentiality, Lakes Mediation can update the referring solicitor on progress. |
| Can you help with court forms? | Where mediation cannot proceed or is unsuitable, the mediator can explain the relevant next step and documentation where applicable. |
| Can you assess legal aid? | Where legal aid may be relevant, Lakes Mediation can explain the assessment process and what information the client may need to provide. |
| Can clients mediate online? | Yes. Online mediation may be suitable where geography, work, childcare, disability, anxiety or safety considerations make remote mediation preferable. |
Refer a client for family mediation.
Use the referral form or contact Lakes Mediation about MIAMs, family mediation, children arrangements, financial mediation, online mediation or legal aid checks.