Mediation for couples
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland
If you are splitting up with your partner or spouse, mediation may help you to do so amicably.
Unlike relationship counselling, mediation is for couples who have already decided to split up. A mediator won't tell you what to do, and won't make either of you feel that you are to blame for your break-up. Instead, they will help you to talk to each other openly and honestly, in the hope that you can reach an agreement about:
- who stays in the family home
- money
- who looks after the children.
Mediation is not a substitute for legal advice. It's a good idea to talk to a solicitor before attending mediation sessions to make sure you know your rights and options, and before agreeing anything with your partner. You can get free legal advice from a local Law Centre or Community Legal Advice.
If you are splitting up with your partner, in some circumstances, you may both have rights to stay in your home (for example, if you have a joint tenancy). If this is the case and one of you applies as homeless, the council may not accept your application because you are not legally classed as homeless. You may have no choice but to stay put while looking for somewhere else. Mediation may help you to manage to live together while one of you is looking for another place.
Mediation is not usually appropriate if your partner has been violent or abusive or made threats towards you.
Some solicitors offer mediation services, as do Relate and National Family Mediation, or you may be able to find a local mediator through Intermedial UK Mediation Directory or the UK College of Family Mediators.
