Helping you move forward with confidence.
DIVORCE MEDIATION
Separation is never easy, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Divorce mediation provides a safe, structured environment where you can discuss arrangements for your children, finances and future with the support of an experienced, impartial family mediator.
Rather than asking a judge to make decisions for you, mediation helps you explore practical solutions together - saving time, reducing stress and often avoiding lengthy court proceedings.
Constructive conversations
Discuss important issues in a calm, supported
environment.
Stay in control
You make the decisions about your future rather than leaving them to a court.
Children and finances
Resolve arrangements for your children, home and finances together.
Future-focused agreements
Work towards practical agreements that help everyone move forward.
How Divorce Mediation Works
Attend Your
MIAM
Each person attends a separate Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). Your mediator explains the process, answers your questions and assesses whether mediation is suitable.
Exchange Information
You'll discuss the issues that matter to you and, where appropriate, share financial information to ensure conversations are based on a clear understanding of your circumstances.
Explore Your Options
With the support of your mediator, you'll explore practical solutions and work towards agreements that meet your family's needs and future goals.
Record Your Agreements
If you reach agreement, your mediator will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding and, where appropriate, an Open Financial Statement for your solicitor.
What can Divorce Mediation help with?
Divorce mediation can help you discuss:
✔ Child arrangements
✔ The family home
✔ Property
✔ Savings
✔ Pensions
✔ Debts
✔ Spousal maintenance
✔ Future communication
✔ Parenting after separation
Why Families Choose Pax Mediation
Choosing the right mediator can make a significant difference to your experience of separation.
At Pax Mediation, our FMCA-accredited family mediators provide a calm, impartial environment where you can have constructive conversations about your future. Whether you're discussing arrangements for children, finances or both, we're here to help you move forward with confidence.
Families choose Pax because we offer:
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Experienced, accredited family mediators
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A child-focused, future-centred approach
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Online and face-to-face appointments
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Legal Aid and the Government Voucher Scheme, where eligible
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Trusted support for more than 14,000 families across the North East and beyond
Our aim is to help you reach practical, lasting agreements while reducing conflict, saving time and avoiding unnecessary court proceedings wherever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is divorce mediation?
Divorce mediation is a voluntary process where an impartial family mediator helps separating couples discuss and resolve issues such as arrangements for children, finances, property and future communication. The mediator does not make decisions but supports you in reaching your own agreements.
Is divorce mediation compulsory?
Before making certain applications to the family court, most people are required to attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) to find out whether mediation could help. Mediation itself remains voluntary unless ordered by the court in specific circumstances.
Do we have to be in the same room?
Not necessarily. Many people attend joint mediation sessions together, but if this isn't appropriate, shuttle mediation allows you to remain in separate rooms or separate online meetings while the mediator moves between you.
Is everything discussed in mediation confidential?
Yes. Mediation discussions are private and confidential, helping you explore options openly. There are limited exceptions, such as safeguarding concerns or where the law requires disclosure.
Do I still need a solicitor?
Yes. Mediation and legal advice work well together. Your mediator remains impartial and cannot provide legal advice, so you are encouraged to obtain independent legal advice before making final decisions or asking your solicitor to prepare legal documents.
Can we attend mediation if we are not married?
Yes. Mediation is available to both married and unmarried couples. Whether you are divorcing, dissolving a civil partnership or separating after living together, mediation can help you discuss practical arrangements for the future.
What issues can divorce mediation help us resolve?
Divorce mediation can help you discuss:
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Child arrangements
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The family home
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Savings and investments
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Pensions
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Debts and loans
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Spousal maintenance
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Financial arrangements for children
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Future communication
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Any other issues arising from your separation
Is divorce mediation legally binding?
The discussions that take place during mediation are not legally binding. If you reach agreement, your mediator will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding and, where appropriate, an Open Financial Statement. Your solicitor can then use these documents to prepare a Consent Order for court approval.
What happens if we can't reach agreement?
Not every mediation ends with a full agreement, but many couples resolve some or most of the issues they face. Even partial agreements can save time, reduce legal costs and narrow the matters that need to be decided elsewhere.
Can I get Legal Aid for divorce mediation?
If you are financially eligible, Legal Aid may cover the cost of your MIAM and mediation sessions. In some circumstances, it may also pay for the other person's MIAM even if they are not financially eligible themselves.
What Our Clients Say
"Mediation helped us reach a fair agreement without months of court
proceedings. The process was calm, professional and much less stressful than we expected."
"The mediator helped us stay focused on finding solutions rather than arguing about the past. We were able to make decisions together for our children."
"We both felt listened to throughout
the process. It was reassuring to nave someone impartial helping us worl through some very difficult conversations."