Mediation: A calm, supported path to resolving family matters

Mediation: A calm, supported path to resolving family matters

Louisa Bestford, Divorce & Family

Exploring mediation as an alternative to traditional divorce and separation routes can offer a more constructive, cost-effective and less adversarial way to resolve issues. Louisa Bestford’s handy guide takes you through how mediation encourages open communication and cooperation, helping couples reach practical agreements around finances and children in a confidential and supportive environment.

The benefits of mediation

With the guidance of an independent mediator and legal support where needed, you and your family retain greater control over decisions, conflict is reduced through open, respectful communication and you can achieve quicker, more sustainable outcomes that prioritise the wellbeing of the whole family, avoiding the stress and uncertainty of court proceedings.

Who can mediation help

Mediation is suitable for:
• Married and unmarried couples
• Parents making arrangements for children
• Families navigating separation or divorce
• Anyone needing to resolve financial or property matters

Whether you’re discussing where the children will live, how finances should be divided, or how to communicate moving forward, mediation provides a structured, positive space to find solutions.

How we support mediation

Solicitors play a key role in making mediation effective. We help clients understand their legal position, prepare for discussions, review proposals, and turn agreements into legally binding documents.

Mediation works best when clients feel informed and supported throughout.

If you’d like to explore whether mediation could help in your situation, get in touchwith our team, who are here to guide you.

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You may also need advice on

Divorce & Family

Hay & Kilner provide expertise on family law in Newcastle upon Tyne. Providing legal advice on all aspects of family law, including divorce lawyers in Newcastle, contact our family law solicitors Newcastle for more advice.

Divorce & separation

Here at Hay & Kilner we understand that deciding to separate from your partner is one of the hardest decisions you can make. Our dedicated team of legal experts are here to make the process of separating from your partner or divorcing your spouse as stress and pain free as possible with personalised support and guidance.

Alternative dispute resolution options for divorce

Divorce and separation can be one of the most stressful situations for couples due to the emotional nature of the proceedings, however it is not always necessary to go to court.

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‘Hay & Kilner’ and ‘Hay & Kilner Law Firm’ are both trading names of Hay & Kilner LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales with registered number OC418767. Our registered office is at The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5BZ and we are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Authorisation number 643191). We use the word ‘partner’ to refer to a member of Hay & Kilner LLP. A list of the members is available at our registered office.