About Mediation

Family Mediation has been around for many years now and is continuing to expand its role in resolving family disputes. We have for a long time supported its use, as it is invaluable in helping separated parties reach sensible, workable agreements, whilst maintaining amicable relations with each other. This is particularly crucial where children are involved.

We have close links with local mediators to whom we regularly refer our clients. We also liaise with mediators when clients need to see us for legal advice during mediation, and when agreement is reached, record this in a legally-binding format, particularly in financial cases.

Mediation is not compulsory, but if proceedings are anticipated (for child disputes or financial orders), the applying party has to show they have attended a MIAM – Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting.  This is now essential, save in urgent cases or where the applicant meets strict criteria that would render mediation inappropriate.  In all other cases there are now sections on the court application forms that the mediator is required to sign off before proceedings can be issued.

Mediators can receive referrals directly from clients, and legal aid is still available to cover their costs, subject to satisfying eligibility criteria.

If you would like more information about family mediation we would recommend browsing the Family Mediators Association website: http://www.thefma.co.uk

Our contact telephone number for all enquiries is

Or just complete our simple enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

"I was very happy with the service. I found Leo Marchant very helpful and willing to do her best to help me see my daughter."

Mr B, Neath Hill, Milton Keynes.

"Friendly, empathetic advice."

Ms G, Great Linford.

‘Siobhan is an amazing lawyer and always provided excellent service. She made a daunting process a very easy one for me, always keeping touch’

Mrs I Bletchley

‘I was impressed with the whole service I received.  Listened to patiently and advised well’

Mrs E, Middleton, Milton Keynes

‘Very helpful with quick, knowledgeable advice and responses’

Mr P, Milton Keynes

‘Extremely supportive and helpful from start to finish. Very professional, excellent value for money, with no hidden costs’

Mr N, Bedford

‘Very understanding and helpful. Would recommend you’

Mr I, Downs Barn, Milton Keynes

‘I found your advice, patience and understanding of my situation very helpful.  I was kept informed every step of the way’

Mrs B, East Sussex

‘Huge support and knowledge. Highly recommended’

Ms Y, Aylesbury

‘Great service. Very approachable. Siobhan explained everything clearly and achieved the desired outcome’

Mr L, Hull

‘I walked out of marriage after 56 years which was a big step. I met Siobhan who guided me through the difficulties with professionalism and caring, sound advice and put my mind at rest’

Mr H, Deanshanger, Milton Keynes

‘Siobhan kept me calm when things were very stressful. She was easy to talk to and kept me well informed’

Ms C, Newport Pagnell

‘Invaluable advice’

Mrs SR,  Newport Pagnell

‘It was a pleasure to deal with you, Siobhan.  I will certainly recommend your services’

Mr J, Walnut Tree,  Milton Keynes

‘A smoothly run firm, very experienced, very efficient. Will look after their clients from beginning to end’

Mrs I, Bletchley

‘A huge thank you for the incredible representation you offered me, Siobhan.   I have nothing but praise for your service and the outcome was better than I could have ever expected’

Ms M Shenley, Brook End, Milton Keynes

"I recently used Acorn Family Law to help me through my divorce. From first consultation to completion they were excellent. Always sensitive to my situation, explaining any legal jargon in a way I understood and offering me sound advice on how I should proceed at each step. They also answered any queries I had in a timely manner. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services to anyone going through the same situation as I had to."

Mr S, South Bucks

"I have used other solicitors and can say Acorn definitely delivers results. I was very satisfied with your service, always kept in touch and let me know about the best choices that were available."

Mrs A, Rushden, Northants.

"An excellent, cost effective service that I would recommend to others."

Ms B, Downhead Park.

"I found Leo to be very approachable and understanding at what was a very difficult time for me. She listened to me and offered sensible recommendations taking into account mine and my children's needs… I was particularly happy with the good value of the service and felt that costs were kept transparent throughout."

Mrs K, Monkston.

"Expert advice on preparing court papers and statements. Very cost effective use of a limited budget. Outstanding legal representation - thank you!"

Mr Q, Bletchley, Milton Keynes.