Mediation First

Mediation First: dispute resolution across the UK

Mediation First presents itself as a provider of professional mediation services for individuals and businesses involved in conflict. The organisation states that it operates online and throughout the UK, positioning mediation as a simpler and less expensive alternative to resolving disputes through the courts or the traditional solicitor route. Its practice covers family conflicts such as divorce or separation, workplace situations, and civil or commercial claims.

The service is built around online mediation, which the company describes as suitable for resolving differences virtually from the client's own location and particularly useful when face-to-face communication is contentious. The mediators aim to see the whole picture rather than one side, working to resolve disputes quickly and keep costs to a minimum.

Family, child and parenting mediation

In the family area, Mediation First helps clients resolve separation and divorce settlements, child arrangements, financial agreements and other family matters. Its child and parenting mediation service addresses child custody and childcare arrangements, and the team includes Child Inclusive Mediators who have been specially trained to talk to children as part of the mediation process.

Property and finance mediation is directed at separating and divorcing couples seeking a fair and workable solution to property and financial issues. The company also handles wills, probate and inheritance mediation, supporting clients through disputes that arise after the death of a loved one in what it describes as a sensitive and cost-effective manner.

Civil, commercial and workplace disputes

For businesses and individuals in commercial conflict, the mediators work through negotiation to settle differences in a cost-effective way. The workplace mediation service covers disputes between employees, issues arising from grievance or disciplinary proceedings, unfair treatment including harassment and bullying, and payment issues, among others.

How mediation is presented

The company frames mediation as cost-effective, private and confidential, client-centred and cooperative. It argues that the approach helps preserve personal and professional relationships that court battles often strain, and that it safeguards sensitive matters by keeping them private. Case studies published on the site cover financial and property settlements and child arrangements.

Team recognition and resources

Mediation First announced that two of its family mediators, Leah Caldwell and Jess Lorum, were listed as finalists in the National Mediation Awards. The site also offers a free guide to family mediation, information for parents and children, guidance for divorcing couples on property or finances, and articles on topics such as pensions in divorce, the role of a mediator and how to choose a mediator.