Financial mediation

A clearer, fairer way to divide finances during divorce – without the cost and conflict of court

How we can help

Dividing finances is often the hardest part of divorce or separation. Working out what’s fair when circumstances are complicated, and emotions are running high, can feel impossible. Many couples assume court is the only option – but it isn’t.

Financial mediation gives you a structured, guided process to work through your finances together, with an experienced, accredited mediator helping you reach an agreement that works for both of you.

Every asset, accounted for

Financial mediation covers the full picture: the family home, savings and investments, pensions, debts, business assets, and ongoing financial support. Our mediators help you understand what needs to be considered so that nothing gets missed.

You shape the outcome

A judge dividing your finances has limited visibility of your lives – your priorities, arrangements, and what genuinely matters to each of you. In mediation, that context is front and centre. The agreement you reach reflects your real circumstances, not a formulaic ruling. And because you’ve shaped it, it’s far more likely to hold.

A fraction of the cost of court

Financial disputes that go to court can cost tens of thousands of pounds – and take months or even years to resolve. Mediation costs a fraction of that, and many clients reach an agreement within 3-4 weeks.

An agreement you can both rely on

What you agree in mediation is captured formally in a Memorandum of Understanding – and from there, can be formalised into a consent order that’s legally binding and court-approved. The decisions are yours, but the agreement carries the same legal weight as a court ruling.

Your finances stay private

Court proceedings create a record; mediation doesn’t. Everything discussed – your assets, your debts, your full financial position – stays between you, your ex-partner, and the mediator. The final disclosure itself is not confidential as it must be available to the court if a consent order is sought, but everything discussed during the process is.

What’s the process?

Here are three of the most common starting points for financial mediation:

“We’re agreed on most things – we just need to make it official.”

If you and your ex-partner are broadly aligned but need a structured process to finalise the details and make everything legally binding, mediation is ideal. A MIAM confirms it’s the right route, and joint sessions let you work through the remaining decisions efficiently. Your agreement is captured in a Memorandum of Understanding and can be made into a consent order – legally binding and court-approved.

Get started

“Our finances are complicated and I’m not sure where to start.”

Property, pensions, business interests, debts – the more complex your financial picture, the more valuable a guided process becomes. Mediation gives you the space to work through everything methodically, with a mediator who can help both parties understand what needs to be considered and why. Our Agreed service handles the full journey from MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) to consent order, at a fixed cost.

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“I don’t think my ex will engage – or I’m already heading to court.”

Even where agreement feels unlikely, a MIAM is a legal requirement before most court applications. Sometimes that initial meeting can open the possibility of mediation. But if mediation isn’t suitable for your situation, your mediator will sign the court form at the end of your MIAM so you can proceed straight away.

Find out more about our Direct to Court package.

Direct to Court package

What makes UKMS different

Choosing the right mediator matters. Here’s what sets UKMS apart:

  • Fastest access to mediation in the UK

    We can often get you in for a MIAM within 24 hours, with no extra charge for same-day or shuttle appointments.

  • Genuinely transparent pricing

    Our rates are fixed and clearly stated – no hidden fees, and no extra charge for court forms or Child Arrangements documents. We’ll also help you access the government’s £500 Family Mediation Voucher if you’re eligible.

  • Support throughout the process

    Whether you need support with one part of the process or the whole journey via our Agreed service, we’ll help you navigate the next steps – no referrals, no handoffs.

  • Fully qualified and accredited

    All UKMS mediators are accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), the professional body that sets and monitors standards for family mediation across the UK.

  • Nationwide reach, personal service

    UKMS covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You’re not dealing with a call centre; you’re working with a dedicated team who knows your situation.

Resolve your finances in one place

If you want to get your financial settlement fully resolved through mediation – without multiple solicitors, separate services, or court appearances – our Agreed service covers everything.

From your initial MIAM through to a legally binding consent order, UKMS handles every step in the process: information gathering, mediation sessions, drafting your Memorandum of Understanding, and supporting you through a legally binding agreement – all at a fixed, transparent cost.

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Our clients say

I highly recommend Derek and his team. They were all extremely helpful and talked me through everything step by step so I felt comfortable. Derek got back to me quickly and made the whole process a lot easier than expected. Thank you!

H. Plummer

Very honest, caring and experience mediation service always ready to listen to your needs and help by counselling and leading you to best choice of decision after mediation. Thank you Mr Derek and team.

K. Asare

I highly recommend The UK Mediation Service, Derek was very understanding throughout the entire process and was always there to help answer any queries. He made the entire process very seamless and stress-free.

P. Gajanan

Derek handled my case, and I cannot speak more highly of him. Was able to diffuse extremely frustrating situations during the mediation session and was a true professional throughout.

T. Adesanya

Frequently asked questions

There’s no fixed formula for dividing finances on divorce in England and Wales. Courts and mediators work from a set of principles set out in the Matrimonial Causes Act, which include the needs of both parties, the length of the marriage, each person’s earning capacity, contributions made (financial and otherwise, including raising children), and the welfare of any children. The goal of financial mediation is to help you reach an agreement that is fair and realistic for both parties.

All cases are different, and this is something we can discuss in your MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment meeting). Most couples who go through financial mediation reach a full agreement covering some or all of: division of property, savings, and other assets; pension sharing or offsetting; debt allocation; spousal maintenance if applicable; and child maintenance arrangements.

The agreement is captured in a Memorandum of Understanding, which can then be taken to solicitors and formalised as a legally binding consent order. Around 80% of UKMS clients avoid court altogether, which gives a good indication of how often mediation leads to a resolution.

Financial mediation typically requires between two and five sessions, each lasting around 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your finances and how much common ground already exists. A straightforward case can reach agreement within a few weeks. More complex situations (for example where there are multiple overseas properties, a business, or complex or missing pensions) may take longer.

Mediation typically costs a fraction of going to court for a divorce, typically costing £XXXX.

By comparison, contested financial proceedings through court can cost anywhere from £10,000 to £30,000 or more in legal fees per person. Even a relatively straightforward court process rarely costs less than £5,000. Mediation is not just cheaper – it’s faster, less stressful, and gives you greater control of the outcome.

Yes, it’s a legal requirement. To formalise any agreement as a consent order, both parties must provide full financial disclosure: income, assets, debts, property, pensions, and savings.

This isn’t just a procedural step. Without a complete and accurate picture of both parties’ finances, it’s impossible to reach a genuinely fair agreement. At UKMS, disclosure takes place cooperatively and in a structured format – your mediator will guide both parties through the process.

In mediation, both parties are asked to provide supporting documentation for their disclosures – bank statements, property valuations, pension statements, and so on. The mediator will flag any gaps or inconsistencies.

It’s also worth knowing that deliberately hiding assets carries serious legal consequences: if non-disclosure comes to light later, a court can reopen the agreement, impose cost penalties, and in serious cases pursue contempt of court proceedings. Full and honest disclosure protects both parties.

Financial mediation is a private process. What’s discussed in sessions is confidential and cannot be used in court proceedings – with one important distinction: the financial disclosure itself (captured in the Open Financial Statement) isn’t confidential, because it needs to be available to the court if a consent order is sought. But the discussions, proposals, and negotiations that take place in mediation are protected, which means both parties can speak openly and explore options.

Yes, once you’ve reached agreement in mediation, UKMS will produce a Memorandum of Understanding setting out what you’ve agreed. To make this legally binding, it needs to be drawn up as a consent order and approved by a court – a process UKMS can guide you through as part of our Agreed service. A consent order provides a clean break, preventing either party from making future financial claims against the other. Without one, financial claims can technically remain open indefinitely, so it’s an important step.

Ready to talk?

If you have questions about mediation, want to understand if it’s right for your situation, or you’re ready to arrange your first appointment – our team is here to help.

We offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you get started.

Talk to us now

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