Divorce or Mediation
You may be asking yourself: Should I get a divorce or try mediation?
No one gets married expecting to divorce, but if you’re facing that reality, at some point you’ll reach a crossroads. That said, perhaps the real question isn’t divorce or mediation, but divorce or marriage therapy. If your relationship reaches the point of breakdown then like it or not mediation becomes a required step before court (except in rare cases involving domestic abuse).
However, believe it or not, professionals working in relationship breakdown—lawyers, mediators, therapists—are legally bound to encourage reconciliation where appropriate especially when children are involved and safe. Still, when people think of lawyers, they don’t often imagine someone who helps smooth things over. Mediators, on the other hand, are there specifically to help keep the peace and realign you—whether it’s around “team children” or simply “team fairness” when there are no children involved.
Here are five ideas to help you decide whether divorce or mediation is right for you.
Divorce Mediator
Divorce mediators help you reach a fair settlement. But who’s to say reconciliation can’t follow? Try to see divorce mediation as an opportunity for a win-win. You get a clear, practical agreement in place—which helps you shift focus toward a healthier co-parenting relationship. And if, along the way, you find yourselves reconnecting emotionally, even better.
At the heart of life are relationships. The ones we have with children, co-parents, and former partners often remain among the most meaningful. Mediation allows you to plan in parallel: if reconciliation happens, that’s a bonus. If it doesn’t, you’ve still built a resolution together rather than having one imposed by a judge. That’s a win-win, not win-lose.
Marriage Counselling
Many couples overlook counselling. If your spouse asks you to go to therapy, refusing can look like you’re not willing to even try. In countries like the U.S., therapy is often embraced as a normal part of personal growth. But in the UK, it’s still sometimes dismissed.
With the right therapist, marriage counselling can offer your relationship a fresh start. It doesn’t fix everything but it can provide the space to talk, listen and rebuild.
Reading a Self-Help Marriage Book Together
Reading a self-help marriage book together might sound simple but it can be powerful. It creates space to explore each other’s personalities, values and dreams. You may find new insights into old misunderstandings or fresh perspectives when your relationship needs them most.
One of the best things? No third party. Just the two of you, learning together. Sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed.
Relationship Breakdown
If your relationship reaches the point of breakdown, keep in mind that mediation becomes a required step before court (except in rare cases involving domestic abuse).
Affordable options do exist. At Family Mediation Services, we offer high-quality support at competitive rates. For around £300–£500 each, we help you disclose finances and explore practical, fair solutions.
Both Michelle Solomon and Katherine Stylianou are accredited mediators highly experienced in financial mediation and can guide you toward a balanced, court-ready agreement.
Divorce or Mediation
Choosing between divorce or mediation can be painful but it doesn’t have to be expensive or destructive. We’re here to help you reduce both the emotional and financial cost and to support you in reaching a peaceful, sustainable outcome.
Don’t hesitate—contact us today on admin@familymediationservices.co.uk