Your Quick Guide

Mediation is a way to try to put an end to arguments: it is about sitting around the table to discuss ways forward, with the help of a neutral professional. 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.

Mediation can also help parents who may have separated a long time ago to talk about child contact or other parenting matters. It can also be of benefit to grandparents who are having problems relating to contact with grandchildren.

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 by a court.
Mediation puts the needs of the family first and is a process that recognises the need to negotiate rather than argue..