Family Law Mediation

After separating, you have to divide your finances, the house, pensions, savings and debts. There are two main routes: family mediation or court proceedings. For most people, mediation is cheaper, faster and private, and you keep control of the outcome. Court exists for situations where mediation genuinely can’t work, such as hidden assets or safety concerns.

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Mediation and arbitration are both ways to resolve a family dispute without a full court battle. In mediation, you and your ex-partner reach your own agreement with a neutral mediator’s help. In arbitration, a qualified arbitrator makes a binding decision for you, like a private judge. Mediation is usually the cheaper, more flexible first step; arbitration suits deadlocked ca...

Yes, the family mediation voucher scheme is still available in 2026. The Ministry of Justice has confirmed funding for 2026/27, so eligible families can still receive up to £500 towards the cost of mediation about child arrangements. There is no form for you to complete; your mediator applies on your behalf once your case is assessed.

Your first joint mediation session is mostly educational; the mediator does most of the talking, explains how things work, and sets the ground rules. The mediator controls the room, keeps things calm, and stays neutral. Nothing is decided or signed without your agreement, so you cannot be pushed into anything on the day.

If you have your first session booked and you ar...

So how does family mediation actually work? At its core, it’s a structured, confidential process that helps separating or divorcing couples agree arrangements for their children and finances, without setting foot in a courtroom. The process begins with a private assessment meeting, where an impartial mediator gets a clear picture of your situation, then moves into joint sessi...