Advice and Guidance
If you are separating, thinking about separation, or already in the middle of it, you may be feeling completely overwhelmed and unsure where to start.
This Separation and Divorce Advice Hub is here to give you clear, practical information about family mediation, children arrangements, and sorting out finances after separation – based on my 19 years’ experience as a family mediator and my background as a non-practising solicitor.
I will be adding to this library over time, creating a growing collection of straightforward, trustworthy guidance to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Looking for something specific?
Money, Property & Pensions
Practical information about financial disclosure, property, pensions and reaching financial agreements.
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We’re Separating Just as Our Child Goes to University – Who Pays for What?
When separation and university happen at the same time, money can quickly become complicated. Find out how separated parents can approach university costs, Student Finance and child maintenance in a practical way.
We’re Still Friendly – Do We Really Need Full Financial Disclosure?
If you are separating amicably, you may wonder whether full financial disclosure is really necessary. Perhaps you trust each other. You both know roughly what you own. You may even have already discussed how to divide the house, savings or pensions. So, do you still...
Will I Be at a Disadvantage in Mediation If I Don’t Understand the Finances?
It is common for one person in a relationship to understand the finances better than the other. Perhaps your husband has always dealt with the mortgage. Maybe he has managed the pensions, investments or savings. You may know very little about how everything is...
My Husband Has Always Dealt With the Money – How Do I Start Untangling Our Finances?
If your husband has always dealt with the money, separation can feel particularly daunting. You may know roughly what comes in each month. Perhaps you also know what the mortgage costs. But you may never have dealt with the savings, pensions, investments or household...
Is Family Mediation Cheaper Than Using Solicitors?
Is mediation cheaper than using solicitors? This article explains the real cost difference between mediation and legal routes, and why many people are surprised by how costs escalate.
Family Mediation: Not Just About Children
Family mediation isn’t just about children. Find out how it can also help you deal with finances, property and the wider practical issues of separation.
Separated But Can’t Afford to Live Apart – What Can We Do?
Separating can feel impossible when you cannot see how to afford two homes. We look at practical options for your home, mortgage, children and finances, and how mediation can help you work towards a realistic way forward.
Separation and Divorce Practical Advice
Practical guidance to help you understand your options, make informed decisions and move through separation or divorce with greater confidence.
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Our Children Are Adults – Does Our Divorce Still Affect Them?
Perhaps your children have left home, built careers or started families of their own. Looking at their independent lives, you might hope that your separation will have little effect on them. For some parents, waiting until the children grew up felt like the kindest...
I Don’t Want a Battle – But I Don’t Want to Be Taken Advantage of Either
You want to keep your divorce or separation constructive, but you do not want to agree to something just to avoid conflict. Find out how to ask questions, set boundaries and make informed decisions without turning separation into a battle.
Children and Parenting
Separation can bring difficult decisions about children, routines and family life. Here you’ll find practical guidance on parenting arrangements, communication and how family mediation can help you work towards a way forward.
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Our Children Are Adults – Does Our Divorce Still Affect Them?
Perhaps your children have left home, built careers or started families of their own. Looking at their independent lives, you might hope that your separation will have little effect on them. For some parents, waiting until the children grew up felt like the kindest...
We’re Separating Just as Our Child Goes to University – Who Pays for What?
When separation and university happen at the same time, money can quickly become complicated. Find out how separated parents can approach university costs, Student Finance and child maintenance in a practical way.
Back to School After Separation: How Can We Make Parenting Arrangements Work?
Back to School After Separation: How Can We Make Parenting Arrangements Work?The start of a new school year can feel like a fresh beginning. But if you have recently separated, September can also bring a whole new set of practical questions. Questions such as: Who...
The Mediation Process
Learn how mediation works, what to expect from a MIAM and how mediation can help you move forward.
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What Is a MIAM?
What Is a MIAM and Do I Really Need One Before Going to Court?If you are separating or already separated and thinking about making an application to court about children or finances, you may have come across the term MIAM and wondered what it means - and whether you...
Family Mediation Vouchers
Family Mediation Vouchers: How They Can Help You Move ForwardIf you’re separating or divorcing and worrying about costs, especially where children are involved, you may be wondering whether the family mediation voucher scheme could help. The good news is: they often...
Ex Refuses Mediation
What Happens If My Ex Refuses Mediation?If you would like to try mediation but your former partner does not, it can feel as though you've hit a brick wall. If you are wondering whether you can still have a MIAM, whether you have to persuade them to take part, or...
Important disclaimer
The information in these articles is for general guidance only and is not to be considered legal advice. Every family situation is different, and you should not rely on this information as a substitute for taking personalised advice about your own circumstances. Reading this article does not create a client relationship. If you would like advice about your own situation, you should seek independent legal advice or contact Divorce Nicely to discuss whether mediation or divorce consultancy may be suitable for you.