Family mediation across the Solent area
Separate with clarity, not conflict.
Solent Family Mediation helps separating parents and couples talk through child arrangements, finances, property and next steps in a calm, structured and impartial setting.
Mediation gives you a practical space to discuss what happens next, including MIAMs, child arrangements and financial disclosure.
How we help
Clear conversations for difficult family decisions.
Family mediation is not about taking sides. It is about helping both people understand the issues, explore options and work towards practical arrangements where mediation is suitable.
Children and parenting
Discuss where children live, time with each parent, school holidays, handovers, communication and wider parenting arrangements.
Child-focused mediationFinances and property
Work through financial disclosure, housing, income, savings, debts, pensions and practical settlement discussions.
Financial mediationMIAMs and court forms
Start with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting and understand whether mediation is suitable before a court application.
MIAMs / C100 / Form A
A calmer route through separation
Mediation helps you stay involved in the decisions that affect your family.
Court can be necessary in some cases, but many separating couples need a structured conversation before conflict escalates. Mediation gives both people a chance to discuss arrangements in a confidential and impartial setting.
The mediator does not make decisions for you and does not act for either person. The role is to manage the process, keep discussions focused and help you explore possible ways forward.
The mediation process
What happens when you contact Solent Family Mediation?
The process is designed to be clear from the start, especially where you need a MIAM, court form, online meeting or urgent support.
You contact the team, explain the broad issue and arrange the most suitable next step.
A mediator explains mediation, assesses suitability and discusses options including online or shuttle mediation.
If suitable and both people agree, mediation sessions can address children, finances, property or pensions.
Where proposals are reached, they can be recorded and taken for independent legal advice before formalisation.
Family mediation services
Support for the issues that usually cause the most pressure.
Choose the area that best matches your situation. Each page explains the issue in more detail and gives you a direct route to speak to the mediation team.
Local Solent support
Serving families across the Solent area.
Solent Family Mediation supports families across Portsmouth, Southampton, Gosport, Fareham, Eastleigh, Waterlooville, Hayling Island, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight.
Online mediation is also available where travel, childcare, work schedules or distance make in-person arrangements difficult.
“The aim is not to win an argument. The aim is to find arrangements that are workable, clear and focused on the future.”
Solent Family MediationWhy choose mediation?
A practical alternative before family conflict becomes more expensive and more entrenched.
Mediation can help reduce pressure by giving both people a structured process. It is confidential, voluntary and focused on practical arrangements rather than blame.
Impartial
The mediator does not take sides and does not decide the outcome. Both people are given space to be heard.
Read moreConfidential
Mediation usually allows more open discussion because the process is private and carefully managed.
Mediation FAQChild-focused
When children are involved, mediation keeps the conversation focused on their routines, stability and future arrangements.
Information for parentsCommon questions
Clear answers before you book.
Do I need a MIAM before going to court?
For many family court applications, you are expected to attend a MIAM unless an exemption applies. A mediator can explain the process and assess whether mediation is suitable.
Will I have to sit in the same room as my ex-partner?
Not always. Where direct discussion is difficult or unsuitable, shuttle mediation or separate online arrangements may be considered.
Can mediation help with finances?
Yes. Mediation can help with financial disclosure, property, debts, pensions and settlement discussions. You should still take independent legal or financial advice before formalising any agreement.
Does the mediator make the decision?
No. The mediator manages the process and helps both people explore options. Decisions remain with the people involved.
Ready to take the next step?
Speak to Solent Family Mediation about MIAMs, child arrangements, financial mediation, online mediation or urgent support.