Financial mediation

Financial mediation for separating couples

Agree how to divide your money, property and pensions with an accredited mediator, without the cost and conflict of a contested court case.

What financial mediation can help you agree

When a relationship ends, financial decisions can feel overwhelming. Financial mediation gives you a structured, impartial space to work through them together, including:

The family home: whether it is sold, transferred or kept for the children.
Savings, investments and debts: how they are shared or repaid.
Pensions: often one of the largest assets, and easy to overlook.
Maintenance: child and spousal maintenance that is fair and affordable.

Financial mediation can form part of divorce mediation, or be used on its own if you are separating after living together.

How financial mediation works

A transparent process built on full and honest financial disclosure.

Step one is a free initial phone consultation, where we listen to your situation and check whether you qualify for Legal Aid.

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

Step three is financial disclosure. You each share details of your income, property, savings, pensions and debts, with supporting documents, which we record in an Open Financial Statement.

Step four brings you together to explore options and reach proposals, set out in a Memorandum of Understanding that a solicitor can turn into a legally binding consent order.

Why choose financial mediation?

A contested financial case in court can take many months and cost far more than mediation. In mediation, you decide together how your finances are divided, guided by an impartial mediator who keeps discussions calm and focused.

Because you both see the full financial picture, proposals are built on facts rather than assumptions. We recommend taking independent legal advice alongside mediation, and your mediator can explain when this is most useful.

How much does financial mediation cost?

Legal Aid can cover financial mediation if you are eligible. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can only help with financial issues when they are linked to a dispute about your children. 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

Financial mediation FAQs

What financial information will we need to share?

You will both need to give full and honest details of your income, property, savings, investments, pensions and debts, with supporting documents such as bank statements, payslips and pension valuations. This is recorded in an Open Financial Statement.

Is a financial agreement reached in mediation legally binding?

Not on its own. Your proposals are set out in a Memorandum of Understanding, and a solicitor can use it to draft a consent order for the court to approve. Once approved, the consent order is legally binding.

Do we need to be divorcing to use financial mediation?

No. Financial mediation can help married couples, civil partners and couples who lived together. The legal rules are different for unmarried couples, so independent legal advice is especially helpful if you were not married.

Can mediation deal with pensions?

Yes. Pensions are often among the most valuable assets, and your mediator can help you understand the options. In some cases a specialist pension report may be needed, and your mediator can explain when this might apply.

Do I need a MIAM before applying to court about finances?

Usually, yes. Before you apply to court for a financial order using Form A, you will normally need to attend a MIAM unless an exemption applies. Your mediator can then sign the relevant section of the form.

What if I think my former partner is not being open about money?

Mediation relies on full and honest disclosure, and you will both be asked to provide documents to support your figures. If either of you has concerns, your mediator will explore them with you, and mediation may not be suitable if they cannot be resolved.

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