Family Mediation
Helping families move forward together.
Separation can make communication feel difficult. Conversations about children, finances or the future can quickly become emotional, leaving both people feeling unheard or overwhelmed.
Family mediation provides a safe, structured and impartial space where those conversations can take place with the support of an independent family mediator.
My role isn't to take sides or make decisions for you. It is to help you have better conversations so that you can make informed decisions about the future.
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary process that helps separating couples work through the practical decisions that arise following separation or divorce.
Together we can explore matters including:
✔ Arrangements for children
✔ Parenting plans
✔ Financial arrangements
✔ Property
✔ Communication
✔ Future planning
Mediation works best when both people can, even briefly, put the emotion to one side and ask:
what do we want and need our lives to actually look like moving forward?
It gives both people the opportunity to be heard and to work towards practical solutions together. And it's worth knowing what the alternative really looks like: court is often a difficult, slow system with long waits and very little control over the outcome — which is exactly what mediation is designed to avoid.
Sessions are available in person in Whitstable or online.
How I approach mediation-
Alongside my mediation training, I bring specialist knowledge in trauma-informed practice, nervous system regulation, child and adolescent mental health, safeguarding and domestic abuse awareness.
This means alongside being an impartial mediator, I understand how stress, conflict and uncertainty affect the nervous system — and in turn, communication, decision-making and family relationships. This includes specific experience with neurodivergent clients, for whom decision-making under this kind of prolonged stress can work differently.
Is mediation right for us?
Mediation may be helpful if you would like support with:
✔ Child arrangements
✔ Financial discussions
✔ Parenting after separation
✔ Improving communication
✔ Reducing conflict
✔ Exploring options before court
During your MIAM, we'll discuss your circumstances together and decide whether mediation is suitable for your situation.
If mediation isn't appropriate, I'll explain the alternatives and any next steps.
MIAM appointments
If you're making certain applications to the Family Court relating to children or finances, you'll usually be required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
A MIAM gives you the opportunity to understand:
• what mediation involves
• whether mediation is suitable
• what your options are moving forward
MIAM appointments are available in Whitstable and online for clients across Kent and England and Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions-
Do both people have to attend?
No. Each person attends an individual MIAM before any joint mediation sessions take place.
What if we don't agree?
That's completely okay. Mediation isn't about forcing agreement.
It's about creating a constructive environment where conversations can take place safely and respectfully.
What if there has been domestic abuse?
Every case is carefully assessed during the MIAM process.
Your safety and wellbeing are always considered when deciding whether mediation is appropriate. Where mediation isn't suitable, I'll explain the available options.
Can mediation take place online?
Yes. Many clients choose online mediation, allowing them to participate from home while maintaining the same structured and confidential process.
Why Choose Tara Flynn?
Families often tell me they appreciate my calm, compassionate and approachable style.
Alongside my mediation training, I bring a wider understanding of how separation affects adults, children and family relationships. My aim is always to create a professional, respectful environment where practical conversations can happen without losing sight of the people involved.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're exploring mediation voluntarily or have been asked to attend a MIAM, I'd be happy to talk through your circumstances and explain the process.