Splitting up with your partner can be really traumatic. Not only do you have to cope with the pain and upset of separating but, suddenly, you're faced with lots of uncertainty about the future. Who will look after the children? What will you live on? What will happen to the family home?
Family mediation can be a very useful way for some couples to sort out these practical things. We explain what family mediation is, how it can help, and if it could work for you and your ex.
The Family Mediation campaign is funded by the Ministry of Justice.
Information applies to England and Wales only.
We're splitting up
Splitting up with your partner can be a very difficult time. If it's all too stressful at the moment, don't panic. Our guide sets out the issues you need to think about and takes you step-by-step through the different processes...
What is mediation?
No matter what stage of separation you are at, or what the issues are, it's worth thinking about whether mediation might be able to help you and other family members to come to an agreement about how you will deal with life from...
How mediation works
Although more and more people are using family mediation to sort out disputes when they separate or divorce, it’s still pretty foreign to most of us. So here is a guidebook to that foreign territory, which will show you when to...
Will family mediation work for me?
Family Mediation can be a very useful way for couples to sort out practical arrangements after a break-up, but it won't work for everyone. Take a look at our quiz to help you decide whether family mediation could work for you and...
Ask Val problem page
Splitting up with your partner? Want to find out more about family mediation? Then read on. Advicenow's resident family mediation expert, Val, answers reader's questions...
What's a mediation session like? Podcasts
When Darren and Justine split up, they couldn't agree on how Darren was going to stay in contact with their daughter, Bethany. Listen in on what happened at their mediation sessions...
Popular downloads
Problems downloading? Download help
Family Mediation Helpline
The Family Mediation Helpline can help you find a local family mediator.
0845 60 26 627
Get advice
Use the Community Legal Advice website to find an adviser or solicitor in your area.
Go to www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk or find other sources of help.
