Relationships matter
Parents going through separation
Separating better - digital support for separating parents
Separating better is a brand-new mobile app, which can help guide you through the separation process, find effective ways of co-parenting, and sort out disagreements, all with the wellbeing of your child in mind.
Family mediation
Family mediation is a process where a trained independent mediator helps you work out arrangements with another participant. For example, an ex-partner concerning -
- children
- finance
- property
The mediator is there to help you work through disagreements and find solutions that work for you both. They will explain how to make the agreement you reach legally binding, should you wish to do so.
When you make an application for a court order in relation to many types of family law disputes, you must show the court that you considered family mediation, by having attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is unless you are exempt.
A MIAM is a short meeting with a qualified mediator where you will be provided with information about mediation as a way of resolving your issues. The mediator will assess whether mediation is an appropriate option based on your individual circumstances. Both parties will need to attend a MIAM before undertaking mediation. This can be attended together or separately.
The family mediation voucher scheme
The family mediation voucher scheme is a time-limited scheme. It is designed to support parties who may be able to resolve their family law disputes outside of court.
The government has set up the scheme in response to Covid-19 to support recovery in the family court and to encourage more people to consider mediation as a means of resolving their disputes, where appropriate. To support this, a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the costs of mediation will be provided, if eligible.