A mediator can help you and your ex-partner agree on how to split money and property, without taking sides.
Mediation is not relationship counselling. It can help you agree on how you’ll divide your assets, including:
- pensions
- property
- savings
- investments
Mediation can be quicker and cheaper than asking a court to decide for you.
You need to attend a mediation information assessment meeting (MIAM) before you start mediation.
The mediator may decide mediation is not right for you (for example, if there’s been domestic abuse and you need to go to court instead).
How much it costs
A MIAM is usually about £30. If you need more mediation sessions they cost more and fees vary depending on where you live.
Check if you can get legal aid for mediation.
Making your agreement legally binding
At the end of mediation you’ll get a document showing what you agreed. This agreement is not legally binding.
If you want a legally binding agreement you need to draft a consent order and get a court to approve it. The consent order can be based on what you agreed in mediation.
If you need more help agreeing
You can:
- ask a legal adviser about other ways to resolve issues out of court (such as family arbitration or collaborative law)
- get information and advice from Citizens Advice
- read guidance to help you sort out finances when you get divorced
- work out your finances with a divorce and separation calculator
If you do not agree on everything
You can ask a court to decide on anything you have not agreed on.
Information retrieved from Gov.uk on 28 October 2020 under the Open Government Licence v3.0