First Steps Family Mediation

First Steps Family Mediation First Steps Family Mediation specialises in providing outstanding mediation services for families

First Steps Family Mediation specialise in family mediation, childrens mediation, mediation through divorce or separation in Plymouth and throughout England and Wales. We are able to offer Free Legal Aid and we participate in the family mediation voucher scheme up to £500 towards your mediation costs. Call us today to find out if your are eligible for FREE mediation.

💚 Supporting Our Local Community 💚Today, a lovely lady from Elder Tree Befriending Service popped into First Steps and a...
27/08/2026

💚 Supporting Our Local Community 💚

Today, a lovely lady from Elder Tree Befriending Service popped into First Steps and asked if we would be happy to display their volunteer flyer.

As a community-focused organisation, we feel it is important to support the people, charities and services doing worthwhile things for residents across Plymouth. Sometimes helping can be as simple as displaying a flyer or sharing a post and helping their message reach a few more people. 💚
So, as a small gesture of support, we wanted to share their flyer with our followers.

Elder Tree Befriending Service is currently looking for volunteers who may be able to spare just one hour a week to offer companionship and a listening ear to an older person.
If you have a little time to give and would like to find out more, their contact details can be found on the flyer.
And even if volunteering isn't possible for you at the moment, we would really appreciate you sharing this post. A simple share may help it reach someone who has the time to get involved. 🌳
At First Steps, being part of our local community means supporting one another where we can — and we're more than happy to help spread the word for a worthwhile local cause. 🤝💚

Back to School: Co-Parenting Tips for September 🎒📚The start of a new school term can bring plenty of change for children...
17/08/2026

Back to School: Co-Parenting Tips for September 🎒📚

The start of a new school term can bring plenty of change for children — and for separated parents too.

A little planning and good communication can make September feel calmer and more predictable for everyone.

✨ Plan ahead – agree school-day routines, handovers, childcare and after-school activities.

📅 Share important dates – keep each other informed about inset days, parents’ evenings, school events and holidays.

🎒 Think about the practicalities – uniform, PE kits, homework and school equipment can easily end up at the wrong house!

💬 Keep children out of adult conversations – avoid asking them to pass messages or negotiate arrangements between parents.

🏡 Aim for consistency, not perfection – routines don't have to be identical in both homes. What matters is that children know what to expect.

👂 Listen to your children – give them space to talk about how arrangements are working without asking them to choose between parents.

If agreeing arrangements for the new school term is proving difficult, family mediation can help.

Mediation provides a neutral and confidential space to discuss practical arrangements, improve communication and find a way forward that keeps your children at the heart of the conversation.
A calmer September can start with a conversation.

🌞 School Holidays Are Almost Here... 🌞The school holidays should be a time for children to make happy memories—not to be...
29/07/2026

🌞 School Holidays Are Almost Here... 🌞

The school holidays should be a time for children to make happy memories—not to be caught in the middle of conflict.
If you're separated and struggling to agree on holiday arrangements, family mediation can help you find practical, child-focused solutions without the stress of court.

🤝 Mediation gives parents the opportunity to:
✨ Create a holiday schedule that works for everyone.
✨ Reduce conflict and improve communication.
✨ Put your children's happiness and wellbeing first.
✨ Help your children enjoy quality time with both parents.

The best gift you can give your children this summer isn't expensive days out—it's the reassurance that both parents are working together for their benefit.

📅 Don't leave holiday plans until the last minute. Start the conversation today and give your children the holiday they deserve.

💙 Because every child deserves to enjoy time with both parents where it's safe and appropriate.

☀️ Summer Holidays & Child Arrangements ☀️With the summer holidays approaching, many separated parents are beginning to ...
18/06/2026

☀️ Summer Holidays & Child Arrangements ☀️

With the summer holidays approaching, many separated parents are beginning to plan childcare, holidays, and special occasions.

Clear communication and early planning can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce stress for everyone involved.

Family mediation provides a supportive space for parents to discuss:
�✅ Holiday schedules and travel plans�✅ Shared childcare arrangements�✅ Special events and family occasions�✅ Communication during time apart�✅ Flexibility when plans change

By working together to create practical arrangements, parents can help ensure children enjoy a positive and relaxed summer break.

If you're finding it difficult to agree on summer holiday arrangements, mediation can help you reach solutions that work for your family.

Contact us today to discuss how mediation can help you plan for a smoother summer holiday period.

Not every family matter needs to become a courtroom battle.At First Steps Family Mediation, we provide discreet, profess...
01/06/2026

Not every family matter needs to become a courtroom battle.
At First Steps Family Mediation, we provide discreet, professional family mediation services designed to help clients resolve sensitive matters with dignity, clarity, and respect.
Whether discussing child arrangements, separation, or financial agreements, our approach focuses on calm communication and practical outcomes — helping families move forward constructively while reducing unnecessary conflict and legal expense.

Our service is:

• Confidential and impartial�• Child-focused and solution-driven�• Professional, compassionate, and efficient�• Designed to minimise stress and protect relationships where possible
When emotions are high, having the right guidance matters.
Contact us privately to arrange an initial consultation.


Professional & Trustworthy

Family disputes can feel overwhelming — but they don’t have to become a battle.

At First Steps Family Mediation,we help families find calm, practical solutions through professional family mediation. Whether you’re dealing with separation, child arrangements, or communication breakdowns, mediation can save time, reduce stress, and avoid costly court proceedings.
✔ Confidential�✔ Neutral & supportive�✔ Focused on solutions for everyone involved
Message us today to learn how mediation can help your family move forward positively.


Warm & Compassionate

Separation and family conflict are never easy — especially when children are involved.

Mediation offers a calmer way forward.
At First Steps Family Mediation, we provide supportive, professional family mediation to help families communicate better, reduce conflict, and make practical agreements together.
You don’t have to face difficult conversations alone.
📩 Send us a message to find out how we can help.

Shared care arrangements during the school holidays The goal is to get a clear, practical arrangement quickly—not a perf...
05/05/2026

Shared care arrangements during the school holidays

The goal is to get a clear, practical arrangement quickly—not a perfect long-term plan.
Here’s how to approach it so it actually works under time pressure.

🧭 What mediation will focus on (for half-term)
You can keep this very targeted. Most mediators will help you decide:

📅 1) Exact schedule
Start/end dates and times
Who the child/ren are with on which days
Handover details (where, when, who collects)

✈️ 2) Trips or holidays
Any travel plans (especially abroad)
Consent needed (passports, written permission)

📞 3) Contact during the break
Calls, video chats, messaging
Frequency and timing (to avoid conflict)

🔁 4) Backup plan
What happens if plans change
Illness, delays, or cancellations

⚙️ How mediation actually works
You’ll usually go through:

1) MIAM (first meeting)
A individual meeting with the mediator to explain the process and check suitability.
2) Joint session (or shuttle/online)
You both discuss options
The mediator keeps things focused and calm
They don’t take sides or decide outcomes
3) Decisions written up
If you decide the outcome between you, you’ll get a written summary (often called a parenting plan or memorandum).

⏱️ Fast-track approach for half-term
If time is tight, be direct when booking:
“We need urgent mediation for half-term child arrangements only.”
Ask for:
Online sessions (fastest)

🧩 A simple structure that works
Going in with a rough proposal helps massively. For example:
Parent A: first half of holiday
Parent B: second half
Mid-point handover (neutral location)
Alternate future holidays (optional, if there’s time)
Or:
Alternate days if the break is short
Or base it on existing routine (e.g. weekends)

💡 Practical tips (these make a real difference)
Be specific: vague plans cause conflict later
Focus on the child’s routine (sleep, activities, school return)
Avoid reopening bigger disputes—stick to this holiday only
Have a backup option ready to compromise

💷 Costs & support (UK)
Many mediators offer a free intro call or MIAM
You may qualify for legal aid
There’s a £500 mediation voucher for child arrangements

Family mediation can be a surprisingly powerful way to resolve conflicts—especially compared to going straight into a le...
13/04/2026

Family mediation can be a surprisingly powerful way to resolve conflicts—especially compared to going straight into a legal battle. It focuses on cooperation rather than confrontation, which can make a big difference for both short-term outcomes and long-term relationships.

Here’s how it can benefit your family:

1. Reduces Conflict and Stress
Mediation creates a structured, calm environment where everyone gets a chance to speak and be heard. Instead of arguments escalating, a neutral mediator helps keep discussions constructive. This often lowers emotional tension for everyone involved—especially children.

2. Keeps You in Control
Unlike court decisions, where a judge imposes an outcome, mediation lets you and your family decide what works best. You can tailor agreements around your actual needs, routines, and priorities.

3. Protects Relationships
Because mediation encourages respectful communication, it can help preserve or even improve relationships. This is particularly important if you’ll continue to co-parent or stay connected as a family.

4. Faster and More Cost-Effective
Mediation is usually much quicker and cheaper than going through court proceedings. Fewer delays, fewer legal fees, and less time off work all add up to a more manageable process.

5. Better Outcomes For Children
When parents resolve disputes cooperatively, children are less exposed to conflict. Agreements made through mediation also tend to be more practical and stable, which helps children feel more secure.

6. Flexible and Confidential
Mediation sessions are private and can be scheduled around your availability. You can also address a wide range of issues—finances, parenting arrangements, property—without being limited to rigid court procedures.

Address

Plymouth
PL66PP

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+448006696109

Website

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