in Dubai and the rest of the UAE
Crowther Mediation offers a supportive and completely impartial family and divorce mediation service for expatriate families in Dubai and surrounding regions.
We understand how expatriate couples going through divorce or separation face an entirely different set of rules or risks to those going through separation in the UAE. That’s why our team of accredited family mediators in Dubai specialise in helping expatriate couples to navigate those risks and identify solutions which best suit their own needs and the needs of their children.

Why choose Crowther Mediation for Family Mediation in Dubai?

Our principal mediator, Nicola Crowther, has developed a wealth of experience dealing with international cases and finds mediation presents a more effective way of resolving disputes than facing the uncertainty of a court process.
There is a unique dilemma facing expatriates when deciding when and in which country to divorce as the outcomes can differ widely and be unpredictable.
Crowther Mediation can help to alleviate the additional stress of divorcing as an expatriate in the UAE. We provide a bespoke, personal service, arranging appointments at a time best suited to you. Each party will also have an individual assessment meeting with an accredited mediator prior to their mediation session.
This assessment meeting presents an opportunity for you to explain the issues you would like to resolve and discuss the mediation process in more detail.
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary process which allows separating or divorced couples to sit together around a table and have a discussion – not an argument – in a safe, controlled, professional environment.
At Crowther Mediation, you can be assured that your accredited mediator will help you navigate through difficult issues to make arrangements for your future. Mediation is completely impartial and whilst we might ask you to consider some of the options a court would look at, we are not here to make the decisions about your future.
Family mediation also includes divorce mediation, which focuses on helping couples reach fair agreements on finances, property, and parenting without going to court.
We can help resolve family disputes such as:
- Divorce or separation settlements
- Child maintenance disputes
- Child custody arrangements
- Ongoing co-parenting disputes

The Family Mediation process and what it involves.
- Mediation takes place over 1-2 sessions based on full day or half day appointments. Sessions can be done remotely or in person, depending on circumstances, with participants deciding whether or not to be in the same room and having legal representation on hand should they need it.
- During the sessions, in a safe, controlled professional environment, you and your former partner will be asked to explore all of the options available to resolve the issues you have.
- Mediation is completely impartial and whilst we might ask you to consider some of the options a court would look at, we are not here to make the decisions about your future
- Mediation is not a substitute for legal advice and you are encouraged to have some independent legal advice to help you consider the options available.
- Mediation is a confidential process which means you can feel free to discuss and explore all options safe in the knowledge that if mediation does not work, the court are not entitled to hear about your discussions, which may prejudice your case.
- Agreements reached at mediation can be written up by the mediator and presented to local family lawyers to have those agreements made legally binding.
Each case is unique, as are the solutions we find. It therefore makes sense for us to taylor make a mediation process that suits your needs and provides the best possible chance of finding your unique solution.
Family Mediation Costs
At Crowther Mediation we operate a system of open transparency when it comes to our fees, with no hidden costs.
Each client must attend an online pre-mediation assessment meeting, lasting approx. 45 mins
AED 850 + VAT
Mediation is charged at a fixed fee of AED 8,950 + VAT per person (or AED 6,950 + VAT online) which includes:
- One full day mediation session or two half day mediation sessions.
- Written outcome statement.
There are no charges for letters, emails, telephone calls or admin.
Additional charges
- Child consultation AED 1,200 + VAT per person (plus half day feed back session)
- Half day session AED 4,475 + VAT
Family Mediation FAQs
1. What is mediation in family law?
Recent changes to family law in Dubai means that UAE family courts require parties to engage in mediation, especially in cases in involving divorce, custody, or financial arrangements. Anyone wanting to make an application to court must first meet with a mediator to see if their case could be resolved through mediation rather than the court system. This meeting is called a MIAM – Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting.
If family mediation is not suitable in your case, the mediator will sign your court application form to confirm you have considered mediation.
1. How long does family mediation take?
Mediation takes place over 2-3 sessions, with each session lasting approximately 90 mins.
3. Is family mediation legally binding?
Mediation is not a substitute for legal advice and you are encouraged to have some independent legal advice to help you consider the options available.
3. Do you offer online divorce mediation?
Yes, Crowther Mediation offers online divorce mediation in the UAE to couples looking to resolve disputes in a safe, controlled and professional environment. Our online divorce mediation sessions take place with an accredited mediator who specialises in resolving disputes for families in Dubai and the rest of the UAE.
5. Do I have to attend family mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process, so you don’t HAVE TO mediate if you don’t want to. However, you must meet with a mediator and consider mediation in a MIAM- Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting before being allowed to make an application to court.
5. Why should I choose Family Mediation in Dubai?
Family and divorce mediation empowers families to resolve disputes through communication, collaboration, and compromise – helping preserve relationships and reduce conflict. In a diverse city like Dubai, Crowther Mediation stands out by combining professional expertise with deep cross-cultural sensitivity, ensuring every family’s personal, legal, and cultural context is carefully understood. Our tailored approach provides a safe, neutral space for resolution, making the process more effective, respectful, and aligned with your unique circumstances.