Divorce mediation

Divorce mediation to help you move forward

Agree arrangements for your children, finances and property with the support of an accredited mediator, without the cost and stress of court.

What divorce mediation can help you agree

Divorce and separation bring many practical decisions. Divorce mediation gives you a calm, structured space to work through them together, from where the children will live and how they will spend time with each parent, to what happens to the family home, how savings, pensions and debts are divided, and child maintenance.

Mediation can help whether you are married, in a civil partnership or separating after living together. Your mediator stays impartial throughout and helps you both reach decisions you can live with, in person or through online mediation.

The divorce mediation process

A clear path from your first call to a written agreement you can take to a solicitor.

Step one is a free initial consultation, so we can understand your situation and talk you through your options.

Step two is a separate MIAM for each of you, to check mediation is safe and suitable and explain how it works.

Step three brings you together for joint sessions, where you share financial information and your mediator helps you explore options for the children, the home and your finances.

Step four records your proposals in a Memorandum of Understanding and Open Financial Statement, which a solicitor can turn into a legally binding consent order.

Why mediate rather than go to court?

Since no-fault divorce was introduced in England and Wales in 2022, ending a marriage no longer means blaming one another. Mediation builds on that, helping you settle the practical arrangements together rather than leaving a judge to decide.

It is often quicker and considerably cheaper than court proceedings, and agreements you have shaped yourselves are often easier to stick to. For parents, it lays the foundations of a working co-parenting relationship, with your children’s needs at the centre.

How much does divorce mediation cost?

We may be able to offer you FREE mediation through Legal Aid, and the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can help with the cost of agreeing child arrangements. If you do not qualify, our transparent fees are listed below:

MIAM: £120 + VAT per person
Mediation Meeting: £120 + VAT per person per hour
Summary: £60
Open Financial Statement: £80 per person
Memorandum of Understanding: £80 per person
MIAM certificate (C100 or Form A): £50 + VAT per form

* all prices are excluding VAT

Divorce mediation FAQs

Do we need mediation to get divorced?

No. Applying for the divorce itself does not require mediation. However, if you cannot agree arrangements for your children or finances and need to apply to court, you will usually have to attend a MIAM first, unless an exemption applies.

Can mediation help with finances and property?

Yes. We help you both provide full financial disclosure, then explore options for the family home, savings, pensions and debts. The proposals you reach are recorded in an Open Financial Statement and a Memorandum of Understanding.

Is a mediated agreement legally binding?

Agreements reached in mediation are not legally binding on their own. For financial matters, a solicitor can draft a consent order from your Memorandum of Understanding for the court to approve, which makes it binding.

What happens if we cannot agree?

Mediation is voluntary and you are not obliged to reach an agreement. If mediation is not suitable, or does not resolve everything, your mediator can sign the relevant court form so you can apply to court.

Will my former partner be at my first meeting?

No. Each of you attends your own individual MIAM first. If mediation is suitable, we then invite you both to joint sessions, online or in person.

How are our children considered?

We take an inclusive approach that considers children’s voices, and your mediator will help you both keep your children’s needs at the heart of every decision about where they live and the time they spend with each parent.

Don't just take our word for it

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 14 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Matthew New 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "I recently used First Steps Family Mediation and was incredibly impressed by their professionalism, efficiency, and care. The administration team made the entire process seamless, and communication was excellent from start to finish. I am particularly grateful for their ability to facilitate separate shuttle sessions, which ensured a completely safe, neutral, and comfortable environment throughout. I highly recommend their services to any parent navigating family mediation."
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Brenna Pearson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So professional, helpful and kind. Thank you to Sam for all her help.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Lisa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jmicster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from Sam & her team, They are sharp, analytical, and highly skilled at keeping conversations productive. They saved us months of litigation and significant legal fees by helping us find a mutual resolution in just a few sessions. Exceptional professionals.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Gabriella Cordiner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I didn’t think mediation would work but first steps were supportive and understanding of my children’s individual needs and helped us reach a better future. I recommend Sam and the team, we are so grateful for all your help.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Richard Baker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Never thought I'd undertake mediation. But I'm glad I chose First Steps. At a stressful time in life, they were professional, supportive, helpful, and very knowledgeable. I never felt talked down to or made to be the bad guy. Would very much recommend them for anyone facing those difficult conversations. A neutral space to talk openly, and freely.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Tee J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The management are very concerned about the clients experience - had a situation, she found a solution when she really didn’t have to and she made good on what was said to me - let’s hope the rest of the experience is to the same level

Thankyou for your professionalism
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Timothy Rumbelow 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Compassionate and caring - totally recomended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Mark Steele 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If only the whole divorce procedure was as simple as dealing with First Steps.
Karen and Samantha at the Plymouth office were absolutely amazing, providing reassurance, empathy, professional advice and genuinely cared about me and the process I was going through.
I would whole heartedly recommend First Steps if you have any mediation requirements and add my thanks to them for everything that has been done by them.
  
 
  
  
 
    Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified that these reviews were published on First Steps Family Mediation's Google Business Profile. Learn more