Family Mediation Week, running from 26th-30th January 2026, puts the spotlight on a straightforward alternative to court proceedings for separating couples. At Slater Heelis, we’ve seen first-hand how mediation helps families across Manchester, Sale and Chester work through separation issues without the stress, cost and time that court proceedings typically involve.
If you’re facing separation, understanding your options is crucial. Mediation is a genuine opportunity to sort out arrangements for children and finances in a way that works for your family.
What family mediation actually involves
Family mediation brings you and your ex together with a neutral, professionally trained mediator to discuss and resolve the practical issues arising from your separation. The mediator, often an experienced family lawyer, doesn’t decide outcomes for you. Instead, they facilitate discussions so you can actively work through the crucial issues that arise on separation, including financial matters and the arrangements for your children.
Where you reach agreement, those terms can be formalised through your solicitor by way of a consent order made in the Family Court. Mediation also works well when existing arrangements need updating, whether that’s school choices, holiday arrangements or the amount of financial support that’s being provided.
It’s important to be clear that mediation isn’t suitable for everyone. Where there’s been domestic abuse (including coercive control) or other safeguarding concerns, it may not be the right approach. In those situations, we’ll discuss alternative options and represent your interests through the most appropriate route.
Why mediation makes practical sense
The advantages of family mediation are straightforward:
- You stay in control. Court proceedings can result in a judge making orders that neither party feels entirely comfortable with. Mediation means you and your ex make the decisions about your family’s future, rather than leaving it to someone who doesn’t know your full circumstances.
- It’s more affordable. Separation already puts financial pressure on families. Mediation costs are typically shared between both parties and can work out to be more cost effective than each of you funding separate legal representation throughout lengthy court proceedings.
- It’s faster. Most couples complete the mediation process in three to five sessions, resolving matters in weeks or months rather than the many months or even years that court proceedings can take. That means you can start rebuilding your future sooner.
- It’s less stressful. The informal setting of mediation creates a less adversarial atmosphere than court. Discussions remain confidential and can’t be used in any future court proceedings, which helps reduce the emotional strain of separation.
- It’s private. Unlike court proceedings – where there has been an increasing push for transparency – mediation is confidential.
How the process works
The mediation process itself can be tailored. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. The conventional family mediation model involves an initial individual meeting (typically 30 minutes) followed by joint sessions with both parties. Your respective solicitors won’t be present in the room but will advise you separately throughout the process. A typical mediation using this model involves three to five sessions, each lasting approximately one and a half to two hours. During the initial individual meeting, the mediator explains the process, answers your questions and assesses whether mediation suits your circumstances.
It should be noted that mediation is entirely voluntary – you can withdraw at any point if it isn’t working for you. These meetings are now often available remotely.
The discussions in mediation are also private, so that if agreement can’t be reached and court proceedings become necessary, then no one can refer to things that were said in the mediation meetings.
The mediator ensures key issues are clearly identified and that both parties have equal opportunity to contribute. You’ll explore different options and work through disclosure, needs and proposals systematically.
Child inclusive mediation has also seen a substantial rise in prominence over the last few years. It involves a specially trained mediator speaks directly with children (if they are of an appropriate age, in a safe, confidential space to understand their wishes and feelings about parental separation, who then feeds relevant information back to the parents to help them reach child-focused decisions, giving children a voice and ensuring their welfare is central without making them responsible for the final choices.
When agreements are reached (whether in respect of finances or children issues), the mediator records them in a Memorandum of Understanding. This document outlines what you’ve agreed and provides a clear framework for moving forward. Whilst not legally binding itself, it forms the basis of a consent order if you want to formalise your agreement through the courts.
When to consider mediation
Mediation can work even if you’ve been separated for a while or if your case has already progressed to court.
In fact, save for certain circumstances including urgency or domestic abuse, attending a MIAM (a mediation information and assessment meeting) is an essential first step before starting most kinds of Family Court proceedings. MIAMs are simply meetings about the benefits of mediation; they are not part of the actual mediation process.
Recent changes to court procedures mean judges can now request details of what parties have done to resolve matters outside of court. The expectation is clear, mediation should be considered seriously before resorting to court proceedings.
Importantly, choosing mediation doesn’t mean going without your own legal advice. We often work with clients who are resolving divorce and separation issues through mediation, providing legal guidance on proposals being discussed and converting agreements into legally binding consent orders once mediation concludes. Regardless of your situation, it’s always best to seek specialist legal advice from your own solicitor as early as possible.
How we can help
At Slater Heelis, our family law team across Manchester, Sale and Chester has extensive experience supporting clients through family mediation. We provide the specialist mediation services you need, alongside practical legal advice throughout the process.
We also recognise when mediation isn’t the right route. When that’s the case, we’ll discuss alternative options and represent your interests effectively. Beyond mediation support, we offer expert advice on all aspects of family law, including divorce proceedings, financial settlements and children arrangements.
Get In Touch
Claire Higham is an Associate Solicitor in the Family Department. She handles a wide-ranging caseload, including complex and sensitive children disputes as well as high-value financial matters.
Family Mediation Week is a good time to consider whether mediation might help you take control of your family’s future during separation. If you’d like to discuss how we can support you, give us a call on 03330 606 026 or fill out our contact form to arrange a conversation about your circumstances.
