Financial Mediation
How mediation helps separating couples divide property, pensions, savings, and debts without going to court.
Financial Mediation
Financial mediation helps separating couples reach fair agreements about money, property, and assets without the cost and stress of court proceedings. A trained mediator guides the conversation, ensuring both parties can raise their concerns and work towards a practical resolution.
What Financial Mediation Covers
- The family home: whether to sell, transfer ownership, or agree on a deferred sale.
- Other property: including buy-to-let, investment properties, or property abroad.
- Pensions: how to divide pension assets fairly, including pension sharing orders, offsetting, or pension attachment.
- Savings and investments: bank accounts, ISAs, shares, and other financial assets.
- Debts: mortgages, loans, credit cards, and how responsibility is divided.
- Spousal maintenance: whether one party should make regular payments to the other, and for how long.
- Child maintenance: while the Child Maintenance Service handles most calculations, mediation can help with top-up arrangements or school fees.
How Financial Mediation Works
Financial mediation typically involves both parties completing a financial disclosure, so the mediator and both sides have a clear picture of all assets, income, and liabilities. This is similar to the Form E process used in court, but less formal.
The mediator helps you explore options and consider what a fair outcome might look like. They do not give financial advice, but they can help you understand the issues and encourage you to seek independent legal advice where needed.
Most financial mediations are resolved within 3 to 5 sessions.
Consent Orders
If you reach a financial agreement through mediation, it is strongly recommended that you have it made into a consent order. A consent order is a legal document approved by the court that makes your agreement legally binding. Without one, either party could make a financial claim in the future.
Your mediator can explain how consent orders work, though you will need a solicitor to draft and submit the order to the court.
MIAM for Form A
If you need to apply to the court for a financial order after divorce, you must submit a Form A. Since April 2024, a MIAM for Form A is required before you can submit your application. Your mediator will sign the relevant section after your MIAM.
The £500 Voucher Scheme and Financial Mediation
The government’s £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme covers financial mediation only where there is also a child-related dispute. If your case involves both children and finances, the voucher can be used towards your mediation sessions. Your mediator will check your eligibility during the MIAM.
Related Guides
- What Is a MIAM? – Required before a Form A court application
- How Mediation Works – The full process from MIAM to agreement
- Child Arrangements – If you also need to resolve children matters
- £500 Voucher Scheme – Available if your case also involves children
- Pricing – Financial mediation session fees
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is financial mediation?
Financial mediation helps separating couples reach fair agreements about money, property, pensions, savings, debts, and maintenance without going to court. A trained mediator guides the conversation and ensures both sides are heard.
Do I need a MIAM before applying for a financial order?
Yes. Since April 2024, a MIAM is required before you can submit a Form A to the family court for a financial order.
What is a consent order?
A consent order is a legal document approved by the court that makes your financial agreement legally binding. Without one, either party could make a financial claim in the future. Your mediator can explain how it works, but you will need a solicitor to draft and submit it.
Does the £500 voucher cover financial mediation?
The £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme covers financial mediation only where there is also a child-related dispute. If your case involves both children and finances, the voucher can be used towards your mediation sessions.
How much does financial mediation cost?
Mediation sessions cost £150 per person per session (90 minutes). Most financial mediations are resolved within 3 to 5 sessions. A memorandum of understanding costs £300 per person.
Written by
Abdul Wahid
FMA trained family mediator, registered with the Family Mediation Council. Over 10 years of experience helping families and businesses resolve disputes through mediation.
Related Guides
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