Leeds family mediation — MIAMs and finding an accredited mediator

If you are separating or divorcing and live in Leeds or the wider West Yorkshire 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 Leeds mediation services we were able to verify on official sources this session.

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31

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 Leeds

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). In Leeds, applications about children or finances are issued through the Leeds Combined Court Centre (1 Oxford Row, Leeds LS1 3BG), and the court will expect either a signed MIAM confirmation or a valid exemption before issuing most applications.

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 Leeds mediators now offer MIAMs by video call as well as in person at offices in the city centre and Headingley.

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 Leeds

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

Susie Sanders (Susie Sanders Family Mediation) — listed on the FMC register at Broadway House Chambers, 1 City Square, Leeds LS1 2ES. Website: broadwayhouse.co.uk (verified 2026-08-31)
Amie Allen (Gipsil Ltd) — listed on the FMC register at The Old Fire Station, Gipton Approach, Leeds LS9 6NL (verified 2026-08-31)
Yvette Fidler — listed on the FMC register at Lower Wortley Road, Leeds LS12 4RY (verified 2026-08-31)
Rachel Marsden (Vollans Mediation Services) — listed on the FMC register at Heart Centre, Bennett Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3HN. Website: vollansmediation.co.uk (verified 2026-08-31)
Laura Clapton (Consilia Mediation) — FMC-accredited family mediator, family solicitor and child-inclusive mediator heading the Consilia mediation team in Leeds; confirmed via the FMC website and the firm's own site. Website: consilialegal.co.uk (verified 2026-08-31)

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.