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Family Mediation

Specialist advice for when trying to resolve disagreements amicably

What is family mediation?

Family mediation provides an alternative to going to court. Negotiations are led by a mediator who is a neutral third party. There are different types of mediation available depending on whether you wish to see your ex-partner during negotiations or not, or if you require more specialist advice.

Mediation can be less stressful and confrontational than court proceedings and have less of an impact on your children. Compared to the court process – where the judge will make decisions on your behalf – your mediator will help you in finding solutions that work in the interests of both parties. However, the mediator cannot provide you with legal advice.

Get in touch about mediation
We can act as a deputy or attorney for you in the Court of Protection

Meeting to talk

If you’re applying for a financial remedy or a matter in relation to children, you must attend a MIAM (Mediation, Information and Assessment Meeting), subject to certain exceptions mainly involving domestic abuse. This needs to done before issuing your Court application.

Also be aware if you do not engage in family mediation before issuing your Court Application, the Court will scrutinise the reasons for the parties not engaging. They may refer you back to try mediation.

Whilst we do not carry out family mediation ourselves, we can guide you through the process, helping you with negotiations so that you reach a solution that meets your needs. If you reach an agreement we can draft a settlement agreement or appropriate court order, setting out the agreed terms.

A divorcing couple involved in a mediation discussion

Why use Rothera Bray to assist with mediation?

Our team includes lawyers who specialise in assisting with NCDR (Non-Court Dispute Resolution) and several of our team are Resolution accredited.

We’ll work closely with you so we can develop a clear understanding of your objectives and goals, as well as developing a close relationship with the other side’s lawyer to ensure effective communication between all parties.

We have considerable experience in advising couples wanting to resolve disputes without going to court.

We can also advise on alternative approaches such as arbitration in cases where you have been unable to reach an agreement through mediation.

Where required we can connect you with other professionals to advise you on your finances, counselling and therapy.

We aim to resolve conflict through mutual agreement and compromise.
Joanne Millward
Joanne Millward

Contact our Divorce and Family Law team

Divorce and Family Law reviews

October 16, 2026
Very good service from the Nottingham office. Many thanks to Jo and her colleagues.
- Caff
September 16, 2026
Efficient service, all matters were dealt with in a timely matter.
- RB
August 28, 2026
Sarah Gill who handled my case in Market Harborough was very professional and had extensive knowledge of my rights. The timescales and costs were also very accurate and response time to any queries was very good. I received the outcome that I wanted to. I would recommend the company to anyone for legal help, support and peace of mind with any matter.
- Lee
August 19, 2026
We would like to thank you all, for everything you have done. From the bottom of our hearts. You have all worked above and beyond. I honestly cannot thank you enough. If anyone needs a family solicitor, I will recommend your team.
- Family law client
August 17, 2026
I am with great pleasure writing to thank you for my experience with Rothera Bray. The team I have dealt with have been professional friendly & have dealt with my matter during this time. Therefore I would not hesitate to recommend this firm of solicitors.
- Josephine
July 29, 2026
Thank you for all your support and guidance throughout this matter. I really appreciate everything you have done to help bring this to a conclusion.
- Mr G
July 14, 2026
Cannot speak highly of the team at Rothera Bray Beeston, who helped me along to get my issue resolved. Special mention goes to Jack English, who showed incredible resilience, along with a large dose of patience whilst guiding me along the way, so that the correct result was obtained. Would have no hesitation in recommending this practice for whatever legal service you require. Thank you once more!
- Lee S
July 13, 2026
My divorce was a long drawn out process thanks to my ex-husband and Sarah made it a lot less stressful due to her professional caring nature and her expertise. Thank you.
- Karen
July 13, 2026
We cannot thank Rothera Bray enough for the outstanding support they provided throughout our Special Guardianship Order (SGO) process. Thanks to their expertise, professionalism, and dedication, we achieved a successful outcome, and we genuinely couldn't have done it without them. A special thank you goes to Ann-Marie and Emily, who guided us every step of the way. They were always there to offer advice, reassurance, and practical support whenever we needed it. No question was ever too much trouble, and they responded to any concerns or issues incredibly quickly, giving us confidence throughout what was a very challenging and emotional process. Their professionalism, knowledge, and attention to detail are of the highest standard. They made us feel supported from start to finish and always had our best interests at heart. We are truly grateful for everything they have done for our family and would wholeheartedly recommend Rothera Bray to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation. Thank you again, Ann-Marie and Emily, for making such a positive difference to our lives.
- Barbara
July 2, 2026
We just wanted to say a big thank you now the court cases and paperwork are completed. As always you made our journey through the 3rd court hearing very reassuring and supportive...Thank you so much for working so hard for us.
- David G
June 29, 2026
Having had to unfortunately move from a previous solicitor due to their frankly awful service I was recommended Emily Sherwood at Rothera Bray. I can honestly say she was incredible. She helped me re-group, ground myself and get back on track in an incredibly difficult situation and the end result was vastly different from the path it was heading. I would highly recommend Emily, and Rothera Bray. Hopefully I won't need to use the services of a solicitor again but if I do I would not hesitate to reach back out to them. Thank you again Emily for your sound advice, counsel and support.
- SH
June 22, 2026
Emily Sherwood was outstanding again, she is professional, supportive, kind, empathetic and efficient. I don’t know how I would have got through all of it without her. She truly is the best and I’m so lucky to have had her as my solicitor. Thank you Rothera bray for providing such a wonderful solicitor from your company.
- Gemma P
June 8, 2026
I recently spoke with David from Rothera Bray, found him and the whole team to be very helpful and professional. Dealing with a solicitor is not something most people have to do on a day to day basis and the team made it as easy and smooth as possible. Highly recommended.
- John Elliott
June 4, 2026
I’d like to say a massive thank you for all of Emily Sherwood and the teams help at Rothera Bay. Response to enquiries has been timely and everything discussed was dealt with empathy and professionalism. I was guided through the process and fees were discussed transparently, I’m very grateful for all the help received so far.
- Rebecca
May 22, 2026
I used Rebecca's services via Rothera Bray Solicitors to deal with the financial side to a divorce. I had an initial face to face appointment to talk through everything with Rebecca and this made me feel at ease and felt that Rebecca was the right person to help me. Rebecca has kept me highly informed at all stages throughout and has also given lots of great advice and has helped me a lot with getting things sorted. I am really happy with the service that I received and Rebecca was so friendly, kind, understanding and very helpful. I would 100% recommend to anyone who is requiring the help during a divorce.
- Leila
May 22, 2026
Rothera Bray have been excellent in helping me resolve a difficult and expensive divorce, I found them extremely efficient - communication was excellent at all points and generally they were there when I needed them, they all took a personal interest in my case and we arrived at a reasonable resolution thanks to their efforts Specially thanks to Rebecca Emeleus and Rebecca Hudson for their great work, Highly recommended in what are always going to be difficult situation! They are people that you can rely on - which is very important in divorce actions particularly.
- Stuart Randall