Family mediation in a nutshell

Family mediation helps couples who are separating or divorcing work out arrangements for the future. These arrangements generally fall into two categories: to do with the children or to do with finance and property.

Mediation isn't only for married couples: it is also suitable for co-habiting or same-sex couples who have decided to separate.

Mediation is voluntary. It is also confidential (with some exceptions) and the mediator acts as a facilitator to help the parties draw up their own proposals and come to their own arrangements. As adults we are all more likely to support arrangements we have helped forge rather than those imposed on us, or fought for.

Mediation isn't marriage guidance or counselling but a way of helping couples sort out some of the practical details of a divorce or separation.