Family Law Solicitors
Our family mediation process helps people recently or long-term separated, in the middle of divorce proceedings, or dissolving a civil partnership, to discuss and explore all issues surrounding their situation in a constructive way.
Head of Family & Partner
Our family mediation team can also mediate for couples who wish to negotiate a relationship agreement, such as a cohabitation or prenuptial agreement. This can help to minimise tension for a couple who are looking forward to living together or getting married.
Many couples would like to come to an amicable agreement but find this difficult to achieve without help. Our specialist family mediation solicitors can help you reach a resolution constructively and cost-effectively, focusing on what matters most to your family.
Family mediation is a voluntary and confidential process designed to help families resolve conflicts and disputes outside of the courtroom. A qualified family mediator will act as a facilitator and assist discussions between the two parties involved, helping them communicate effectively and reach an agreement.
This involves a series of discussions between the mediator and each party and can be done by video call or in person. The mediator helps to ensure the discussions are constructive but does not take sides or make decisions. Their role is to encourage dialogue and help make plans for the future that work for everyone.
Please note we use the term ‘solicitor’ and ‘lawyer’ throughout interchangeably, as a term that refers to anyone in the United Kingdom that is licensed to practice law, provide legal advice, or represent clients in court.
“Mediation offers many benefits for resolving conflicts within families. Unlike traditional litigation, it provides a confidential and collaborative environment where all parties can openly communicate their needs and concerns.
“Mediation can also be less time-consuming and costly compared to court proceedings, reducing the emotional and financial strain on families. Whether it’s for family, divorce, or separation, or a relationship agreement (prenuptial) our mediators can promote a healthier and more respectful approach to resolving family law issues.”
Vanessa Friend, Partner and Head of Family Law
Call one of our team to discuss starting and financing your divorce application, your rights and how we can support you through this distressing time in your life.
Head of Family & Partner
“Vanessa Friend is the stand out partner in the team. She is exceptionally bright and knowledgeable. She secures fantastic results for her client. She is a very good negotiator and very personable.”
Family mediation should be considered in a variety of situations when families face conflicts or disputes they are unable to resolve on their own. Some common scenarios where mediation can be particularly beneficial include:
“The firm always puts your wants at the centre of things and always gives the best advice and path to take to try and get to that goal.”
When couples decide to end their marriage or partnership, divorce or separation mediation can help them agree on the necessary terms, including property division and spousal support.
For couples with significant assets or complex property issues, mediation can help secure a fair and equitable distribution without the need for contentious court battles.
Mediation is often used to create or modify parenting plans, establish living arrangements and contact (which used to be called custody) in a way that prioritises the best interests of the children involved.
Mediation can assist in negotiating child support agreements and resolving financial disputes related to the care and upbringing of children.
When communication has broken down or become strained, mediation provides a structured environment to discuss concerns and work towards rebuilding relationships.
When a couple wish to enter into an agreement to set out the arrangements either during a cohabitation, marriage or on separation when not divorcing, mediation can assist. Mediation can provide a safe and calming setting to discuss the terms of the agreement.
This is the first meeting with a mediator, where both parties will have the chance to ask questions. The mediator will outline how it will work, explain how many sessions may be needed, their cost and give details of any support services to use throughout the process. They will also check that mediation is the most suitable process option for each party and discuss alternatives to mediation.
During the first full session, the mediator will agree an agenda for the issues to be considered with mediation and give each party the opportunity to outline their concerns and aims for mediation.
The mediator will take these learnings to try and identify the issues that are causing friction. They’ll look to establish these as common goals for both parties to work towards, where smaller issues may be resolved first, to eventually settling larger ones later.
The Each of you will have a chance to consider these proposals and suggest amendments if either of you are unhappy – allowing you both to come to a solution that works for all involved.
Finally, an agreement to settle issues raised will, hopefully, be achieved. This will ideally keep all parties happy with the terms that have been decided, and everyone concerned will be equally committed to seeing them through and resolving any future conflicts that might happen. Even if an agreement is not reached on all of the issues, it may be possible to narrow the issues between you and improve communication.
We have a team of highly trained and experienced mediators who specialise in all areas of family law. With a wealth of in-depth knowledge around family dynamics and legal intricacies, they’ll ensure all aspects of your case are considered and addressed with professionalism and empathy.
We prioritise your needs and concerns, providing personalised attention to your case. Our mediators are skilled in creating a respectful and supportive environment where you feel heard and understood. We work hard to tailor our services to meet your requirements.
We’re fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and are proud members of The Law Society and members of Resolution, the largest organisation for family law professionals in England. We’ve also been recognised as one of Chambers and Partners’ top-ranking firms for 2026, as well as a top-tier firm by The Legal 500.
No matter where you live in the UK, our family mediators can help. For complete convenience, the team can set up an online family mediation service in the form of video calls, bringing everyone together in a virtual meeting room. The call will also include separate, confidential rooms, so our mediators can speak to you privately during the session.
Please note that we do not hold a Legal Aid contract and are therefore unable to provide Legal Aid services. All family matters are undertaken on a privately funded basis only.
We cover all aspects of family separation at Hodge Jones & Allen, including issues about children and financial arrangements due to the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership.
Our experienced family mediator, Vanessa Friend (Head of Family Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution), provide professional and friendly mediation, tailored to your needs.
Our family law solicitors are backed by four decades of experience and have a strong track record of achieving favourable client results. Choosing us means you’re opting for a dedicated partner committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Speak to our friendly, expert solicitors on 0330 822 3451 or request a callback today.
Head of Family & Partner
“Vanessa showed very impressive mediation skills under difficult conditions. Eminently professional and pleasant to boot. Recommended.”
Mediation offers several benefits, making it an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking to dissolve their marriage. Here are some of the key reasons why many opt for divorce mediation:
At the start of a family mediation meeting, the mediator will speak to each person separately via telephone or video call. If you’re both happy that this is the most suitable process, then a first appointment will be arranged.
Most negotiations tend to focus on the care of children or financial affairs, but each family is unique, and we adapt to suit your individual needs. We talk to you on a consultancy basis, which normally equates to approximately five or six sessions – though it may be more or fewer, depending on the issues being discussed.
During these sessions, the family mediator, you, and your (former) partner will sit together, whether in person or over video, to discuss your options. If, after discussions, arrangements have been reached, a confirmatory mediation document will be drawn up.
Unless you wish to obtain a Court Order about the arrangements for your children, there’s usually no need to do so. If arrangements have been reached about money and property, then you should always have any agreement recorded in a Consent Order.
Before, during, or after the mediation, it is open to either party to obtain independent legal advice. If you wish, your legal adviser can draft up a legally binding document.
Mediation can begin at any stage, even if you have already begun court proceedings. Remember, it’s not too late to commence family mediation if you feel it’s necessary. We’re aware of the emotional toll that can be experienced by families engaged in the court process. That’s why we’re committed to assisting you, no matter how difficult the situation, to make mediation work.
Family mediators do not give legal advice around money and property issues. However, they can provide information to couples about the legal processes and the general principles that the court would follow in relation to:
It’s expected that before and during the family mediation, both parties will give each other a clear picture of their respective financial positions. This can help resolve issues around money and property while helping each side to better understand the other’s background and standing.
We’d be happy to discuss whether the device you will be using is suitable for a remote mediation call, and which would be best. When you have downloaded Zoom, you can join a remote mediation on your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Before beginning a remote mediation session, you may wish to check your internet connection by joining a test meeting.
While separation mediation is often successful in helping couples reach mutually agreeable solutions, there may be instances where an agreement cannot be achieved.
Sometimes, taking a break and returning to mediation can help. Emotions can run high, so taking the time to reflect can provide new perspectives that weren’t originally considered.
Consult with your family mediation solicitor if the process stalls. They can provide clarity on your legal rights and options, offering advice on the next steps to help you prepare for any necessary litigation. They can also negotiate directly with the other party outside of mediation sessions.
If you’d still prefer not to take things to court, you could consider a collaborative divorce. This is where both parties and their solicitors commit to resolving disputes outside of court. It involves a series of meetings to work through issues collaboratively, often with the help of other professionals such as financial advisers and child specialists.
Arbitration is another alternative dispute resolution method, where a neutral third party (arbitrator) listens to both sides and makes a binding decision. It is less formal than court and can be quicker and less costly. However, unlike mediation, the decision of the arbitrator is final and enforceable.
Whatever route you choose, you can start your mediation journey by calling us on 0330 822 3451 or requesting a callback.
Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors is proud of the many positive testimonials that we receive, reinforced by our ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot. Please read through what some of our clients have had to say about their experience with our legal teams.
