Grandparents’ rights to see grandchildren
One of the common misconceptions surrounding family law is that grandparents have an inherent or automatic right to see or
Divorce mediation solicitors: specialist support for you
Reduce conflict and take control with divorce mediation
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We don’t just look after you, we look out for you. That means we bring you insights, advice and keep you up to date on all kinds of legal matters so you can keep ahead.
We’re expert-led
We match a member of the team with the right expertise to every client, who will invest time getting to know you, who will look after your interests and ensure you have access to the whole firm when you need it.
We talk your language
The legal and financial matters might be complex, but we aim to keep things straightforward and explain everything in terms that are relevant to you.
Overview
Divorce mediation: a more constructive way to move forward
What is mediation in divorce?
Divorce can be stressful, but there are ways to make the process easier. Divorce mediation helps you reach agreement without going to court. It reduces conflict, saves time and lowers costs.
Mediation can cover child arrangements, financial support and division of assets, including property. It is a form of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR).
What are the main benefits of mediation?
A more constructive approach to divorce mediation – mediation focuses on good communication and understanding from both sides. This can help make the process and outcome more amicable.
You stay in control of decisions – if you go to court, a judge will make the decisions and impose them whether you like them or not. Mediation allows you to determine the outcome with the help of a mediator.
More control and flexibility – you have more control so you can decide what needs to be discussed. Timelines and deadlines are also defined by you, giving a more flexible approach.
Faster and often more cost-effective than court – mediation can resolve issues in weeks, whereas resolving matters though a court can take months. In most cases it’s considerably cheaper than court proceedings.
How does mediation work?
In divorce mediation, you and your partner meet with a trained mediator who guides discussions in a fair and balanced way. Our mediators are also experienced family lawyers. They will help you reach agreements that are practical and likely to be accepted by a court. Some important points about mediation:
- A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is the first meeting where the process is explained
- Mediation is not legally binding, but agreements can be turned into legal documents for your divorce
- While a court will determine timings and deadlines, you control what is discussed and when. You can focus on the issues that matter most to you and your family.
- The mediator does not give legal advice
- Mediation is voluntary and either party may withdraw at any point.
- Child-inclusive mediation may involve the mediator speaking directly with your child to understand their wishes and feelings.
Issues that can be resolved through mediation include:
- Child arrangements
- Financial settlements
- Property and assets
- Financial support for children and ex-partners
Tees have an excellent reputation locally for Excellent service from a team who clearly cares about its work, its people and its clients.
When a court refers you to mediation
When you apply to a court for divorce, the court may encourage you to try alternatives. You may be asked to attend a MIAM before starting divorce mediation proceedings. You should attend a MIAM even if your ex-partner refuses to go. If your ex-partner won’t attend a MIAM, sometimes the court will require them to pay some of your legal costs.
There are exceptions which mean you don’t have to go to a MIAM before going to court, for example, if you’ve experienced domestic abuse. You must show evidence of this when you apply to court.
View our fixed-fee family law consultation page – we offer compassionate, expert guidance from an experienced solicitor, focused on you and your next steps.
Supporting you through mediation
These are some of the issues our family law mediators can help you with:
- Child maintenance payments
- Child custody
- Property and possessions
- Financial settlements
If you are not married, or you have a dispute within the wider family, our mediators also offer family mediation.
Contact us today
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Tees Law does not provide Legal Aid. You can find more information here about Legal Aid and eligibility requirements.
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Case study: Family mediation success - Resolving a complex divorce financial settlement without court
Our case study shows how Family Mediation helped them reach a fair, tailored settlement while saving time, cost and stress. See how Tees Law supported a constructive outcome—and how mediation could work for you.
Legal and financial advice
Tees is a top-tier Legal 500 firm offering joined-up legal and financial services for all your family law requirements, from divorce mediation to court appearances, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
We have a team of in-house independent financial advisers who work closely with our lawyers to deliver all the advice you need. Our IFAs are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we are accountable for all the advice we give.
We’re here to help
If you want a lawyer to take a closer look at your situation, our family and divorce lawyers are based in:
- Cambridgeshire: Cambridge
- Essex: Chelmsford, and Saffron Walden
- Hertfordshire: Bishop’s Stortford and North Herts
But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
Family mediation: A complete guide
Separation can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to mean a lengthy, costly court battle. Our complete guide to Family mediation explains how a structured, forward-focused approach can help you reach practical agreements about children and finances more quickly, calmly and cost-effectively.
Discover how the mediation process works, when it’s suitable, and why so many families are choosing it as a constructive alternative to litigation.
Our experience in divorce mediation
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Frequently asked questions
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Divorce mediation FAQs
What is mediation?
Mediation is when an independent and professionally trained mediator helps you work out an agreement with your former partner about issues such as:
- Childcare arrangements
- Finances- including pensions, dividing your assets and financial support
- Houses and property – such as your family home, or buy to let investments
How does divorce or family law mediation work?
In the first session known as a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) you will have an opportunity to meet the mediator individually and the process will be explained to you. After you have both attended an individual meeting, there will be a first joint meeting with the mediator. They will then get you and your partner to talk in a constructive way, and encourage you to start looking at options and ideas. In this way they are often able to help you find a workable solution, and one that can become part of a legal document.
A mediator’s role is not to advise the parties, and you may benefit from independent legal advice alongside mediation.
How long does mediation take?
The number of sessions required for a successful mediation process varies and can be up to six or more. The process usually takes weeks as opposed to months in a court process.
Privacy and confidentiality in mediation
Avoiding court in divorce means that the process does not become part of the public record, and so remains confidential. Because discussions are confidential, what you say in mediation can’t be used against you if mediation is unsuccessful.
Is mediation suitable for any situation?
Sometimes mediation is not a suitable way of resolving issues. If there are safety concerns, a power imbalance, or if one party is unwilling to take part, then going through the courts may be the best solution.
Mediation for other family issues
Family mediation can also be used to resolve other disputes, including issues between unmarried couples or within wider family relationships. It can reduce escalation and remove the stress and expense of going to court.
