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Family mediation

Are you and your ex-partner struggling to agree on child arrangements or shared finances?

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Family mediation helps separated couples make amicable agreements about children and shared finances.

Our mediation team supports people to resolve disputes following a relationship breakdown.

If you’ve separated from someone but you’re struggling to come to agreements about money, assets, or shared responsibilities, family mediation could be what you’re looking for. Mediation can help you sort out what’s important while avoiding costly court proceedings.  

In family mediation, an impartial mediator  guides you through discussions on things like financial disclosure, divorce proceedings, living arrangements, and contact with children. Mediation sessions can be delivered in-person or online. 

If you wish to ask the family court to make orders about financial settlements or child arrangements, you must first attend at least a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

We currently have stations to deliver mediation in person in the following locations: Manchester, Billericay, Birkenhead, Bolton, Chester, Chorley, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Leigh, Liverpool, Mold, Romford, Stockport, Widnes, Wirral, Wigan.

All families, regardless of income, are eligible for a £500 voucher towards mediation costs. You may also be eligible for full or partial coverage via legal aid.

The process

How mediation works and the steps we'll take you through.

Call us up on 0161 872 1100 or email [email protected] so we can determine whether your circumstances are best suited for mediation.

Attend a one-to-one mediation information assessment meeting (MIAM). This initial, individual session will allow you to discuss your situation and decide on the next steps for you and your family. 

Attend joint sessions with your ex-partner or relatives with whom you have a dispute. Most people attend two to four sessions. Many take time between sessions to think about trial arrangements and get legal advice. 

Come to an agreement and allow your mediator to summarise your arrangements. You’ll receive a record of your agreement, which can be used in divorce proceedings if you’d like to pursue divorce. 

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Child inclusive mediation

Child inclusive mediation offers children an opportunity to express their concerns and contribute towards plans that will shape their future. We offer child-inclusive mediation as a highly encouraged option. Research shows that children greatly benefit from being actively involved in the process.

Find out more

Fees, funding, and other information

You may be eligible for full or partial coverage of your mediation fees. We've compiled a number of articles below to help you better understand funding options, orders, and forms you may have to complete.

Legal aid

Government-provided full or partial coverage of your mediation fees.