Northampton family mediation — MIAMs and finding an accredited mediator

If you are separating or divorcing and live in Northampton 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 Northampton 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 Northampton

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 Northampton 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 Northampton

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

Leah Caldwell — listed on the FMC register at South West Mediation, 38 York Road Northampton NN1 5QJ; telephone 01392 678010 (URN 0909A, accredited since 6 November 2015) (verified 2026-09-01)
Lloyd LaRose-Jones — listed on the FMC register at Mediation MK, The Guild Hall St Giles' Square Northampton NN1 1DE; telephone 0330 0434194 (URN 0297A, accredited since 27 July 2016) (verified 2026-09-01)
Steve Morton — listed on the FMC register at Your Family Mediation, Abington Street Northampton NN1 2BA; telephone 0330 332 5878 (URN 1631A, accredited since 19 January 2023) (verified 2026-09-01)
Amal Wright-Levy — listed on the FMC register at Wright Mediation, 42 Tarry Way Northampton NN2 7BN; telephone 07909 690 347 (URN 1605A, accredited since 8 March 2023) (verified 2026-09-01)
Jenny Walters — listed on the FMC register at 1st Mediation, Weston Favell Centre Northampton Northamptonshire NN3 8JZ; telephone 07501 224 334 (URN 1936A, accredited since 20 March 2025) (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.