3f974476-46a6-4775-8d87-fad2bb8d8f33

All Families Mediation

Family Mediation to Help You Move Forward

contact us

What is family mediation?

If you are separating or divorcing, family mediation provides a safe, confidential space to help you sort out disputes – without involving big legal fees or going through a long drawn-out court battle.

Professional family mediators help you work out what happens after you split up. They won’t try to get you and your ex-partner back together. They can also help when you’ve been separated a while and need to sort something out.

A mediator will listen to you and your ex-partner explain your concerns and views to each other and will help you both to reach an agreement. Mediation works by helping people find practical solutions that feel fair. It is a confidential and safe space. Some people who can’t afford mediation can get it for free through the ‘Legal Aid’ scheme.

Family mediation helps if your relationship has broken down and you need to sort out practical issues such as:

  • Arrangements for children – where they are going to live and when you’ll see them
  • Child maintenance payments
  • Sharing finances e.g. house, savings, pension
  • Dealing with any debts

What are the Benefits?

Family mediation:

  • Allows you and the other party to make the decisions, instead of a judge.  
  • Is less stressful than a court process, with less conflict between you and your partner, improving communication.
  • Allows agreements to be reviewed and changed if you both agree – e.g. if your situation changes, and as your children get older and have different needs. 
  • Is easier on your children when parents co-operate and helps them continue important family relationships.
  • Is quicker, cheaper and provides a better way to sort out disagreements than long drawn-out court battles – helping you to get on with the rest of your life as quickly as possible.
  • Costs are shared equally, with each party paying half of the fees.  Some people who can’t afford mediation can get it for free through the ‘Legal Aid’ scheme.

What do mediators do?

Family mediators are trained to work with people whose relationships have broken down. They come from professional backgrounds, such as law, social work, healthcare, counselling.  Mediators help you find solutions that both of you can agree on. A mediator will ask questions to understand your situation. Unlike going to court, you stay in control. No-one can make you do anything against your wishes. Discussions are confidential.

Children have the right to a relationship with both parents (as long as it is safe) and their needs are most important. Some mediators are trained to include children in discussions but only if you, your ex-partner and the child agree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Family mediation is a voluntary process where an impartial mediator helps separated or divorcing couples communicate and reach agreements on issues like parenting, property, and finances without going to court. It is an effective way to avoid lengthy legal disputes.

Mediation itself is not legally binding, but the agreements reached can be made legally binding through a court order or consent order, often with the help of a solicitor. Many people using family mediation  choose to formalise their agreement this way.

The number of sessions varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of both parties to cooperate. Issues are typically resolved in 2-5 sessions.

You don’t need a solicitor to attend mediation, but it’s often helpful to get independent legal advice. This can be before, during or after the process and complements the support offered by mediation.

Mediation is voluntary so the other person does not have to participate. However, attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is usually required before applying to court. 

Children can be invited to speak with a child-inclusive mediator if both parents agree and the child is willing. The conversation is confidential, and the child can decide what they want shared with their parents.