Family mediation can help if you are finding it difficult to move forward with an ex-partner or family member.

A mediator is independent, impartial and neutral. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for you. Their role is to help both parties communicate effectively, identify the key issues and explore possible solutions.

Through constructive and structured discussions in a professional and supportive environment, mediation can help you reach practical agreements that work for your individual circumstances.

We also offer online mediation with quick appointment availability, which can often help resolve matters more quickly and cost-effectively than alternatives such as the court process.

Choosing the right mediator is an important step in resolving family issues constructively.

Our mediation service aims to provide:

• A professional, impartial and supportive environment for discussions
• Flexible appointments, including online mediation
• A focus on practical solutions tailored to your circumstances
• An approach that keeps the best interests of children at the centre of discussions
• A process designed to help families move forward without the stress and cost of lengthy court proceedings

At Consensus we allow families to work at their own pace towards solutions together, helping maintain respectful communication and more sustainable agreements.

We offer in person options but our secure online mediation sessions allow you to participate from the comfort of your own home.

Online mediation can be particularly helpful if you live in different areas, have busy schedules, or prefer the flexibility and convenience of remote appointments. Remote appointments can help if you are anxious about seeing each other in person as we can arrange for sessions in “ shuttle” mediation where you would only ever talk to the mediator. This can help reduce anxiety and stress.

Family mediation can help resolve a wide range of issues following separation or within wider family relationships. Common topics discussed in mediation include:

• Child arrangements and parenting plans
• Communication between separated parents
• Decisions about schooling, medical care and other important aspects of a child’s life
• Religious education and upbringing
• Parental relocation or moving home with a child
• Financial settlements following separation
• Property and housing arrangements
• Pension and asset division
• Responsibility for liabilities and debt
• Arrangements for holidays, birthdays and special occasions
• Maintaining relationships with grandparents or wider family members
• Pet mediation

Mediation provides a structured and supportive space to discuss these matters and explore practical solutions that work for everyone involved, particularly any children. The mediator’s role is to make sure the voice of the child is heard and any options are reality tested. We offer referrals to child inclusive mediation services.

Legal Aid may be available for mediation if you are on a low income or receiving a passporting benefit

We also offer the mediation voucher scheme provided by the Ministry of Justice, which contributes towards the cost of mediation where discussions mainly relate to arrangements for children. This scheme is not means tested.

We can discuss your eligibility and guide you through the process.

Every family situation is different. Mediation discussions are tailored to your particular circumstances, including how financial matters and arrangements for children may be managed.

The mediation process follows a structured format similar to the approach used by the courts. If agreements are reached, we can signpost you to how they can be converted into financial consent orders through the court if required.

Mediation offers many advantages, including:

• Faster than the court process
• Usually significantly more cost-effective
• Confidential and private discussions
• Helps improve communication between parents
• Flexible arrangements tailored to your family
• Focused on the best interests of children

Most importantly, mediation allows you to make the decisions about your children, finances and future arrangements. Once you go to court you may have to hand over this autonomy we help you stay in control.

By working together and finding common ground, families can often reach practical solutions in a respectful and dignified way. These can provide long term clarity and certainty to all participants. We also offer the option to review decisions as circumstances change.