Contact us
Contact Us About Family Mediation
One telephone number, a calm conversation and no forms to fill in.
- By telephonethe simplest way in
- No formsno inbox to wait on
- At your pacecall when ready
One Number, a Real Conversation
The simplest way to reach Family Mediator is to pick up the telephone. We keep contact deliberately plain, so that the first step towards support never feels like paperwork.
Our telephone number is 0330 010 0028. That is the only way to get in touch through this website. There is no contact form to complete, no inbox to wait on and no booking tool to navigate. When you call, you speak to a person about your circumstances, and together you decide what, if anything, should happen next.
Many people tell us that the hardest part of seeking help is finding the words to begin. You do not need perfect words. You can say as little as, I do not know where to start, and the conversation will go from there.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, you will find a fuller explanation of that process on the Book Consultation page. If you simply have a question, the same number is the right one.
When It Makes Sense to Call
People contact us at very different moments. Some are at the beginning of a separation and are searching for a calmer route. Others have been talking for months without progress. Some are worried about children, some about money, some about a relationship that has become difficult to manage. Below are a few situations in which a call is often helpful.
- You are separating, or thinking about it, and want to understand your options.
- Conversations with the other person keep ending in arguments or silence.
- You need to agree arrangements for children and are unsure how to start.
- You face practical questions about money, housing or belongings.
- Someone has suggested mediation and you want to know what it involves.
- You have already begun discussions elsewhere and wonder whether mediation could complement them.
- You are simply curious, and want a straight explanation before deciding anything.
If your situation is not on this list, call anyway. Family circumstances are varied, and it is quicker to ask than to guess.
Finding the Words on the Phone
There is no script. A few simple pointers can help, though, if you like to feel prepared.
Start where you are
Explain briefly what is happening in your own words. A sentence or two is plenty.
Mention what is urgent
If there is a decision with a deadline, such as a move or a school term starting, say so early.
Ask your questions
Questions about cost, format, timing and process are all welcome. Honest answers will follow, including where the honest answer is that it depends.
Tell us about worries
Concerns about safety, communication or the other person's attitude help us to think about what would be appropriate.
You do not have to give your personal details immediately, and you do not have to make any decision on the call. It is simply a first conversation.
Getting Ready for the Call
Preparation is optional, but a few quiet minutes beforehand can make a call feel less daunting. Find somewhere you will not be interrupted if you can. Have a glass of water nearby. Take a couple of slow breaths.
If it helps, keep a notepad within reach, so you can write down anything that is explained to you and any questions that occur to you during the conversation. People often find that they remember questions only after hanging up, so a quick note while talking can save a second call.
Remember that you are in charge of the pace. If something is difficult to talk about, say so and move on. If you need to stop, say that too. There is no right way to have this conversation.
If You Are Not Able to Talk Freely
Sometimes it is not easy to make a call. You may share a home with the person you are separating from, or you might feel that a conversation could be overheard. In those situations, it is worth thinking about when and where you can speak openly.
A few ideas people find useful: calling from a place you trust, such as a friend's home or a quiet spot outside; picking a time when you know you will have privacy; or asking a trusted person to wait nearby for support. If a call is interrupted, you can simply end it and try again at a better moment.
If you are worried about your safety or that of someone else, please contact the emergency services. Your safety matters more than any conversation about mediation.
Keeping Your Enquiry Private
Privacy is a common worry, particularly when you share a home or devices with the person you are separating from. A few practical steps may help. Think about whether anyone else can see your call history or hear your conversation, and choose the time and place of your call accordingly.
We would also ask you to be thoughtful about what you share, even in conversation. You are in control of the amount of detail you give, and the first call does not require sensitive documents or account details of any kind.
Calling on Someone Else's Behalf
Friends, relatives and professionals sometimes call to ask about mediation for someone they care about. You are welcome to ask general questions about how the process works and whether it might help.
Mediation itself needs the people involved to take part personally, because the decisions belong to them. If you are calling for someone else, we can explain the process in a way that you can share with them. We would encourage the person to call us themselves when they are ready, so that the conversation is theirs.
If you are a professional wishing to understand how mediation might fit alongside the support you provide, you can also call to ask questions about the process.
Accessibility and Communication Needs
Everyone should be able to take part in mediation in a way that works for them. If you have particular needs, such as difficulty with speaking on the telephone, hearing, understanding written information or concentrating for long periods, please mention this when you call.
We will talk with you about what is possible and how to make taking part easier. This might involve allowing extra time, breaking discussions into shorter parts, or considering a different format. Please tell us about anything that would help, even if it feels minor.
Our website is designed to be readable at different screen sizes, with clear headings, visible keyboard focus and descriptive image text. If you find any part of it hard to use, please tell us when you call so that we can improve it.
What You Will Not Find Here
In keeping with our simple approach, this website does not offer certain things, and it is better to say so plainly than to leave you looking.
- There is no online contact form, so you do not need to type your personal circumstances into a web page.
- There is no online booking system or payment page.
- We do not use this website to take enquiries by messaging or social media.
- We ask that you do not send sensitive information, such as financial documents, until a mediator has asked for it and explained how to share it safely.
This keeps your first step private and uncomplicated, and it means the people you speak to hear your situation first hand.
Common Questions About Getting in Touch
Is the first call free to ask questions?
You are welcome to call and ask questions about the process. Arrangements for any later meetings are explained to you directly, so that you know where you stand before deciding.
Do I need the other person's permission to call?
No. You can enquire on your own, and the other person is invited only if you decide to go ahead.
Will anyone contact the other person without my agreement?
No. Nobody is contacted unless you have agreed to this and understand how it will be done.
What if my call is not answered?
You can try again whenever it suits you.
Can I ask about children's arrangements and money together?
Yes. Many people have questions about both, and we can talk about how they might be approached.
What if I change my mind?
You can step back at any time. A conversation is not a commitment.
Make the call when you are ready
Whenever it feels right, 0330 010 0028 is the number to use.