Specialist Mediation
Some situations in family mediation do not fit the standard divorce case. Not every separating couple was married, and not every family dispute is between two parents. Mediate UK mediates for unmarried couples discussing a shared home, and for grandparents who have lost contact with a grandchild. The mediator stays impartial, the conversation stays confidential, and 90% of clients who completed joint mediation with us in 2025 reached full or partial agreement.
Unmarried & Cohabitation Separation
Mediation helps unmarried couples separate fairly, at a point where the law gives you far fewer automatic rights than married couples. Together you look at who owns the home, what each of you put in, how debts and belongings are divided and what happens with the children. You get a clear written agreement instead of a costly property dispute.
Grandparents’ Rights & Contact
Mediation helps grandparents rebuild contact with grandchildren after a separation, a family fallout or a bereavement. Together with the parents you talk through how often you see the children, where visits happen and how everyone stays comfortable with the arrangement. It is a far gentler first step than applying to court, and it keeps the door open for the whole family.
Cohabitation and grandparents' rights: common questions
No. Common law marriage is a myth in England and Wales. An unmarried partner has no automatic claim to the other’s pension, savings or income, and a claim on the family home depends on whose name is on the deeds and what was agreed or contributed. Mediation is often the only affordable way to sort this out, because the court route for cohabitants is expensive. The Ministry of Justice consulted on changing the law for cohabiting couples between June and August 2026 (A fairer end to relationships), so the position may change.
Mediation is voluntary, so nobody can be forced to attend. What a grandparent can do is invite the parents to mediation through us, and we make that approach for you. If mediation is refused or does not work, you will usually need to attend a MIAM before you can apply to court, and having tried mediation counts in your favour with a judge.
The family mediation voucher applies where the dispute involves arrangements for a child, and it is not means-tested. Grandparent contact cases and unmarried parents agreeing time with the children normally qualify. A case only about the house and money does not. We check your eligibility at the MIAM and apply for the voucher on your behalf.
Ready to talk it through?
Get started today and take the first step towards a less stressful, future-focused agreement. If you would rather talk it through first, the free 15-minute call is a no-pressure place to start.
Need something specific? Book an urgent MIAM, check your legal aid eligibility, or call us on 0330 999 0959.