Family mediation: A complete guide
Family mediation: A complete guide Family mediation can be a practical and cost-effective way to resolve issues that arise when
I am a Partner in the Family department at Tees. I am primarily based in Bishop’s Stortford office, although I regularly meet clients across our six offices and remotely.
I qualified as a solicitor in September 2015, completing my training contract here at Tees. I was promoted to Associate in 2019 and Senior Associate in 2021, before joining the partnership at Tees in 2024.
My work as a Family Law Solicitor involves advising and representing clients on a range of different family matters, including divorce, dissolution or nullity proceedings; financial settlements; nuptial agreements; arrangements for children and Children Act applications; domestic abuse issues; and cohabitation issues and disputes.
The Family Mediation Council (FMC) comprises national family mediation organisations in England and Wales. I am an all-issues, Resolution-trained Accredited Mediator, which enables me to help those involved in family relationship breakdowns or disputes discuss and negotiate bespoke solutions and options in a cost-efficient and voluntary forum.
In addition, I advise separating couples jointly using the Resolution Together approach (one couple, one lawyer) to help minimise unnecessary conflict in separating families.
Helen Midgley was a stand-out. The first time I spoke to Helen, I knew I had found the right Solicitor; she was very empathetic, understanding and always made me feel at ease in times I was very stressed and upset.
Cases involving relationship breakdown often mean advising clients during the most challenging times of their lives, so finding favourable, long term and practical solutions for a better future for my clients is always my focus.
As a member of Resolution and the Family Mediation Council, I adhere to Codes of Conduct, which means that I endeavour to resolve family issues constructively as a Solicitor, a Mediator and a Resolution Together practitioner.
I am committed to providing excellent client care. This means listening carefully to each client’s particular needs and working diligently to ensure that my clients receive high-quality legal advice clearly and understandably and are regularly updated on their cases’ progress.
I work collaboratively with colleagues across Tees’ Legal and Wealth teams to ensure our clients benefit from our combined expertise and specialist advice.
I graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2011 with a first-class honours degree in History. I then completed the Graduate Diploma in Law at BBP Waterloo, London, and the Legal Practice Course (Distinction) at the University of Law.
I am involved in the firm’s trainee recruitment process and manage our annual Vacation Scheme. I am committed to supporting the progress of junior lawyers through their careers.
“Helen Midgley is a fabulously thorough, a real eye for detail, super clever and one of the most down to earth people you could possibly meet. Clients love her.” Legal 500 UK, 2025, South East – Private client – Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
Family mediation: A complete guide Family mediation can be a practical and cost-effective way to resolve issues that arise when
Family Mediation is increasingly being used by separating couples and families across the UK. In April 2024, the Ministry of
What is a family mediator? Family mediators in England and Wales come from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Choosing
When parents separate or divorce, often one of the most important and emotive aspects of the separation is in relation to the arrangements regarding...
Under Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, the court must consider a range of factors when deciding how assets should be divided...
The “Bank of Mum and Dad” remains one of the UK’s largest sources of property finance. With high property prices and strict mortgage criteria,...
A ‘situationship’ is essentially the grey zone of modern dating. In this article, we will explore what situationships are, how they are recognised by...
Spousal maintenance, also known as spousal support or alimony, is a financial payment made by one spouse or civil partner to the other on...
Living together without getting married is a common choice for many couples. However, it’s essential to understand the legal differences between cohabiting and being...
Amber Kennedy, an expert in parental legal rights, shares essential information for separated parents considering relocating with their child. Relocation cases remain one of...
For many people, uncertainty about future income can be one of the most stressful aspects of divorce. For people with very high incomes and...
What is a civil partnership? A civil partnership is a way for couples, whether heterosexual or same sex, to formalise their relationship, without getting...
Technology has enabled new ways for people to harass ex-partners by tracking their movements and spying on their digital platforms. Solicitor Harry Calder explains...
What is no-fault divorce? A ‘no-fault’ divorce is one in which the partner within a marriage – who is asking for the divorce –...
Family mediation: A complete guide Family mediation can be a practical and cost-effective way to resolve issues that arise when a relationship breaks down....
