Bolton family mediation — MIAMs and finding an accredited mediator

If you are separating or divorcing and live in Bolton or the surrounding area, most family court applications now require you to attend a MIAM first. This page explains how that works, how to find a properly accredited mediator, and which Bolton mediation services we were able to verify on official sources this session.

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-01

What family mediation covers

Family mediation is a process where an independent, trained professional helps you and your ex-partner make agreements about important issues such as parenting arrangements, money, property, savings and debts. It is usually quicker, cheaper and less stressful than going to court, and agreements reached can be recorded in writing and, where appropriate, made binding through a consent order or a financial order.

How MIAMs work in Bolton

A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a short private meeting with a family mediator. Since section 10 of the Children and Families Act 2014, most applicants to the family court — for example on a C100 child arrangements form or a Form A financial application — must attend a MIAM first unless an exemption applies (such as certain cases involving domestic abuse or urgency).

The meeting is held with you individually; your ex-partner attends their own separate MIAM.
The mediator explains mediation and other non-court options, checks suitability and screens for safety and safeguarding concerns.
Nothing is decided at the MIAM and you are not committing to mediation.
If mediation is not suitable, or you choose not to proceed, the mediator can sign the court form confirming you attended.
Many mediators serving Bolton now offer MIAMs by video call as well as in person.

Only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council can sign the MIAM section of court forms.

Using the FMC register to find a mediator

The Family Mediation Standards Board keeps a professional register of family mediators at familymediationcouncil.org.uk/fmc-register-search. You can search by name, URN, or by entering your postcode and widening the distance filter (5, 10, 15, 30 or 50 miles). The register shows each mediator's accreditation status, the services they offer, and their public contact details. Choosing a mediator from the FMC register means they are trained to agreed standards, follow the FMC Code of Practice, are supervised by a Professional Practice Consultant, and are insured with access to a complaints process.

Legal aid and the mediation voucher scheme

Mediation is one of the few areas where legal aid remains widely available. If you qualify (usually on a means-tested basis), your MIAM and mediation sessions can be free — see gov.uk guidance on family mediation and check eligibility at gov.uk/check-legal-aid. Even if you do not qualify for legal aid, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can contribute up to £500 towards mediation costs where the case concerns children.

Verified mediator services in Bolton

The following mediators and practices were confirmed this session on the Family Mediation Council register (familymediationcouncil.org.uk mediator profiles), each with a Bolton-area practice address:

Annabelle Flinn — listed on the FMC register at 2 Deansgate, Bolton BL1 1BR; telephone 07711 604 472 (URN 1623A, accredited since 8 August 2023) (verified 2026-09-01)
David Ross — listed on the FMC register at Mediation Solutions UK, Bolton Community Practice Waters Meeting Road Bolton BL1 8TU; telephone 01925 393 532 (URN 1426A, accredited since 19 February 2021) (verified 2026-09-01)
Denise Hill — listed on the FMC register at TLC: Talk Listen Change, The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton BL1 1LS; telephone 0161 872 1100 (URN 0488A, accredited since 1 January 2015) (verified 2026-09-01)
Kate Miller — listed on the FMC register at TLC: Talk Listen Change, The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton BL1 1LS; telephone 0161 872 1100 (URN 1967A, accredited since 14 April 2026) (verified 2026-09-01)
Lisa Lester — listed on the FMC register at Manchester Family Mediation Solutions, 37 Knowsley Street Bolton BL1 2AS; telephone 0161 820 8267 (URN 0146A, accredited since 1 January 2015) (verified 2026-09-01)

Always confirm each mediator's current accreditation status yourself on the FMC register before booking a MIAM.

Not legal advice

This page is general information only and is not legal advice. It does not assess your individual circumstances, and you should take independent advice from a qualified professional about your own situation. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is independent of every mediator, law firm and organisation mentioned on this page and receives no payment for their inclusion; listings are verified against public sources and can change.

Official links

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.