Financial dispute resolution mediation.
A structured, impartial way to discuss money, property, pensions, debts and future financial arrangements after separation or divorce.
What is financial mediation?
Financial mediation helps separating couples work through financial arrangements with the support of an impartial mediator.
A calmer way to discuss financial arrangements after separation.
When a relationship ends, financial decisions can quickly become difficult. You may need to discuss the family home, pensions, savings, debts, income, child-related costs, maintenance or how assets should be divided.
Mediation gives both people a structured setting to exchange information, identify the main issues and explore possible proposals. The mediator does not take sides, make decisions for you or give legal advice. Their role is to help the discussion stay balanced, focused and practical.
Where proposals are reached, these can be recorded so that each person can take legal advice before any agreement is made legally binding through the correct process.
Financial mediation can help you discuss the full picture.
Most financial disputes are not about one item in isolation. Property, income, pensions, debts and children’s needs often overlap.
Property
Discuss options for the family home, mortgage, sale, transfer of equity or future housing needs.
Pensions
Consider pension information, values, disclosure and whether specialist pension advice is needed.
Savings and debts
Work through bank accounts, savings, credit cards, loans and other liabilities.
Future needs
Discuss income, childcare costs, housing needs, maintenance and practical future arrangements.
A structured process for financial conversations.
Financial mediation is different from a court FDR hearing.
A court Financial Dispute Resolution hearing involves a judge giving an indication within financial remedy proceedings. Family mediation is different. It is a voluntary process where an impartial mediator helps both people explore proposals outside the court environment where suitable.
Mediation can reduce pressure while keeping the discussion practical.
Benefits of financial mediation
- Structured discussion about financial issues after separation.
- Less adversarial than immediate contested court proceedings.
- Flexible proposals based on your family’s actual circumstances.
- Private setting for difficult financial conversations.
- Can save time and cost where both people engage constructively.
What mediation cannot do
- It cannot force agreement if either person does not agree.
- It cannot replace legal advice on fairness, risk or enforceability.
- It cannot hide financial disclosure where full information is needed.
- It cannot make a court order; a formal legal process is needed for that.
- It may not be suitable where there are safeguarding, risk or disclosure concerns.
Financial mediation can help organise the paperwork.
The exact documents depend on your circumstances, but financial mediation often involves information-gathering and written summaries.
Open Financial Statement
A summary of financial information disclosed during mediation. This may include income, assets, liabilities and pensions.
Memorandum of Understanding
A written summary of proposals discussed in mediation. This is not usually legally binding on its own.
Legal order or consent order
If agreement is reached, legal advisers can help convert proposals into the correct legally binding document where appropriate.
Common questions about financial dispute resolution mediation.
Who resolves the financial dispute?
The mediator does not impose a decision. Both people remain responsible for any proposals reached. The mediator helps manage the conversation and keep it balanced.
Do we both attend the same appointment?
Joint mediation usually involves both people and one mediator. In some cases, shuttle mediation or online mediation may be considered where appropriate.
Do I still need legal advice?
Yes. Financial proposals can have long-term consequences. Mediation can help with discussion and documentation, but legal advice should be taken before any agreement is formalised.
Can mediation help with Form E or disclosure?
Mediation can help identify what financial information needs to be shared. In some cases, parties may use Form E-style disclosure or other financial summaries as part of the process.
Is mediation cheaper than court?
It can be cheaper and quicker where both people engage constructively. The cost depends on complexity, the number of sessions required and whether documents need to be prepared.
Can mediation make the agreement legally binding?
Mediation itself does not usually make a financial agreement legally binding. If proposals are reached, legal advisers can help prepare the correct consent order or court documents.
Need help discussing finances after separation?
Contact Solent Family Mediation to discuss MIAMs, financial mediation, disclosure, pensions, property and next steps.