Family Mediation for Divorce and Separation
Family Mediation is a supportive, structured process where an independent family mediator supports separating couples work through arrangements for children, finances and their whole separation – without going to court.
Family mediation offers a constructive way to navigate separation or divorce when emotions are high and communication feels difficult. With the support of an experienced, independent family mediator, you can explore your options, talk through important issues, and work towards practical agreements that work for everyone involved, including your children.
Rather than handing decisions over to a court, mediation keeps you at the centre of the process, moving forward at a pace that feels manageable.
Accredited Family Mediator – Non-Practising Solicitor – Neutral and Impartial – over 30 years legal experience – nearly 20 years experience in mediation
Not sure where to start? Click the button below to ask questions, explore your options, or find out what might work for your situation.
Ready to Move Forward? Click the button below to complete our participant questionnaire. We will then be in touch to arrange your MIAM.
Mediation usually begins with a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) – an individual, confidential meeting to explore your options and assess whether mediation is suitable.
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation for divorce and separation is a structured, confidential process that helps separating couples talk through decisions about their family with the support of an independent mediator. This can range from finances and property, to parenting arrangements. Family mediation is not just for children matters.
Rather than taking sides or making decisions for you, the mediator’s role is to guide conversations, manage difficult discussions, and help you explore options in a constructive way. This allows you both to work towards practical and workable agreements that reflect your circumstances, priorities, and what feels fair for your family.
Have a look at the video below to understand more about how family mediation can help you through your divorce and separation.
With the support of a trained, neutral mediator, you can find practical, fair and lasting solutions together, and at your own pace.
Divorce and separation can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be filled with conflict.
What Can Family Mediation Help With?
Family mediation can help with:
-
arrangements for children
-
financial matters, including property and pensions
-
communication during and after separation
- arrangements for pets
The focus is always on finding workable solutions, reducing conflict, and helping you move forward.
How Family Mediation is Different From Court
Unlike court proceedings, family mediation is:
-
Voluntary – you remain in control of decisions together
-
Confidential – discussions stay private
-
Flexible – sessions are shaped around your needs
-
Future-focused – prioritising practical outcomes, not blame
Many people choose family mediation because it creates space to think clearly, be heard, and make informed decisions without the pressure and formality of the court process.
A Guided Step-by-Step Approach
You don’t need all the answers before family mediation begins. You don’t need to have all of your finances together. This is a joint approach where everything is done together.
Family Mediation is designed to help you:
-
break complex decisions into manageable steps
-
understand your options before committing to any legal route
-
focus on progress, even when communication feels difficult
For many families, family mediation offers a way to move forward with dignity, fairness, and far less conflict. You decide your pace and you work together to create a new, separate future.
Why Choose Family Mediation for Divorce and Separation?
When a relationship breaks down, it can be hard to know where to turn or what to do next. Many people feel torn between wanting things resolved quickly and wanting outcomes that feel fair and manageable for the long term.
Others with good intentions can make everything even more confusing, and there is so much information out there, much of it conflicting.
Family mediation offers a supportive way forward, particularly for those who want to avoid the stress, cost and uncertainty of court where possible. Court is always going to be there so why not consider something else first?
“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” – Albert Einstein
Some of the Benefits of Family Mediation for Divorce
Save More Time and Money
Court proceedings can be lengthy and expensive. Family mediation for divorce and separation is usually much faster and more cost-effective, helping you resolve financial matters, property division, and parenting arrangements without draining your resources.
Reduce Stress and Overwhelm
Family mediation for divorce offers a supportive, step-by-step process guided by a neutral professional.
You’ll feel heard and supported, making a difficult transition more manageable and less intimidating.
Stay in Control of Your Outcomes
In family mediation, you make the decisions – not a judge. You both work together to reach agreements that fit your unique family circumstances, rather than have solutions imposed on you by the court.
Encourages Fair, Balanced Solutions
A trained mediator ensures that both voices are heard, helping you work towards agreements that feel fair and balanced – not one-sided. The goal is for both of you to feel able to move forward with confidence.
Remain Connected Though Apart
Family mediation for divorce helps you to communicate more constructively, often helping to set the tone for positive future discussions, especially important if children remain part of your shared lives.
When Family Mediation May Not Be Appropriate
Mediation isn’t suitable for every situation and there are times when other options may be better for you
When Mediation May Not Be Suitable
-
there are serious safety concerns
-
one person is unwilling or unable to engage in the process
-
urgent court intervention is required
This is why mediation usually begins with a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) – an individual, confidential meeting that helps explore your circumstances and assess whether mediation is suitable.
A Thorough, Individual Assessment
The MIAM is not about pushing you into mediation. It’s about giving you space to:
-
talk through your situation confidentially
-
understand your options clearly
-
decide what feels right for you
If mediation isn’t suitable, you’ll be guided on alternative next steps.
Is Family Mediation for Divorce Right For Us?
Family mediation can be helpful in many separation and divorce situations, particularly where both people are willing to explore options to find a way forward that feels fair.
You don’t need to agree on everything, or even communicate well, for mediation to be worthwhile.
What matters is a willingness to commit to the process and explore solutions that can work for both of you, not just one.
Mediation May Be Suitable If:
-
You want to avoid court where possible
-
You have children and want to prioritise their wellbeing
-
You need help working through financial or property decisions
-
Communication has broken down or feels difficult
-
You feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start
-
You want a structured way to move forward for all of you
How Family Mediation for Divorce Works
Following your initial enquiry:
Individual MIAM
Each person attends a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) separately.
This is a confidential, one-to-one meeting where you can:
-
talk through your situation privately
-
understand how mediation works
-
explore your options
-
consider whether mediation is suitable for you
There is no obligation to continue into mediation. The MIAM is about information, assessment and choice.
Exploring Options
As discussions progress, mediation helps you build a clearer picture of what workable arrangements might look like moving forward.
This may involve:
-
gathering and sharing financial information
-
prioritising issues that matter most
-
exploring different options before making decisions
The pace is guided by your circumstances and readiness.
Joint Sessions
If mediation is appropriate and you both wish to proceed, joint sessions are arranged.
These sessions provide a structured space to:
-
identify the issues that need to be resolved
-
discuss children’s arrangements
-
work through financial and practical matters
-
explore options and possible outcomes
- decide priorities
You don’t need to agree in advance. The mediator supports conversations, keeps discussions focused, and helps you move forward step by step.
Written Proposals
Where proposals are reached, these can be recorded in clear, structured documents to reflect what has been discussed and agreed.
These documents can then be used as a basis for:
-
independent legal advice, if required
-
formalising arrangements through solicitors or the court
The mediator remains neutral throughout and does not give legal advice.
Family mediation for divorce and separation follows a clear, supportive structure designed to reduce overwhelm and help you feel that you know exactly where you are going at every stage.
It begins with an initial enquiry, followed by individual MIAM meetings so each of you has the space to talk things through privately. If mediation is suitable, joint sessions then take place at a pace that feels manageable, focusing on the issues that matter most to you – whether that’s children, finances, property or the whole separation.
Nothing is rushed and nothing is agreed until you both feel comfortable. Throughout the process, you’ll be guided step by step, with clear signposts about what happens next and time to reflect before moving forward.
Are you ready for a kinder way forward?
The First Step is to Complete Our Questionnaire.
What Happens Next?
Once we receive your completed Participant Questionnaire, we will contact you to arrange your individual mediation information and assessment meeting.
WE SUPPORT THE FAMILY MEDIATION VOUCHER SCHEME - CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER MORE
The family mediation voucher scheme is a time-limited government scheme, designed to support participants who may be able to resolve their family law disputes outside of court.
To support this, a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the costs of mediation will be provided, if eligible.
The vouchers are available where children are considered as part of the mediation process and can only be applied for once you have both attended a mediation information and assessment meeting.
THERE ARE NO FINANCIAL STIPULATIONS FOR THIS SCHEME.
Further information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/family-mediation-voucher-scheme. There is no guarantee that funds will be available and will need to be checked when you are ready to proceed after your initial mediation information and assessment meetings.
At present, funds are still available.
LEGAL AID - WE DO NOT OFFER LEGAL AID FOR FAMILY MEDIATION. CLICK HERE IF YOU THINK THIS IS APPLICABLE
WE DO NOT OFFER LEGAL AID.
If you think this is applicable, or you think your ex-partner may qualify for legal aid, please have a look at the Family Mediation Council to source an alternative provider. If you or the other participant potentially qualify for legal aid, then both of you will receive your initial assessment meetings funded by the Legal Aid Agency, as well as your initial joint session.
If you attend a mediation information and assessment meeting with us and the other person is willing to attend a mediation information and assessment meeting and potentially qualifies for legal aid, you will need to attend a further assessment meeting with the legal aid provider.
The Family Mediation Council contains a wealth of information about family mediation.
Legal aid takes into account capital as well as income so you will need to know the value of any property, together with your outstanding mortgage, before you can be assessed for legal aid.
Generally speaking, if you are on certain benefits, i.e. Universal Credit, and your capital limits are below the threshhold, then chances are you will qualify for legal aid.
If you wish to check your eligibility, please go to: Legal Aid Agency
FMC Accredited
Member of Resolution
Law Society Accredited
HOURS OF WORK
Monday to Friday:
9.30am-5.00pm
Saturday:
9.30am-1.00pm appointments only
Sunday: Closed
AFFORDABLE SERVICES
FOR EVERYONE
PHONE
(44) 1304 800001
LOCATION
All of our services take place online