Family mediation: a constructive way forward
30 January 2026
Family mediation has become an increasingly popular way for families to resolve disputes, particularly for those seeking a less confrontational, more constructive alternative to court. Many people who may not have initially considered mediation are now exploring it as a practical option, especially in light of court delays and rising legal costs.
Each year, the Family Mediation Council’s Family Mediation Week helps to raise awareness of mediation and the benefits it can offer across a wide range of situations arising from family breakdown, separation and divorce.
At Edward Cooke Family Law, we recognise that no two families are the same. As a modern family law firm, we offer an integrated range of dispute resolution options, allowing us to support you in a way that reflects your circumstances and priorities. These options include mediation, collaborative practice, private FDRs, arbitration, and, where necessary, court proceedings.
Our team includes eleven specialist family lawyers, five of whom are experienced mediators. We are skilled at guiding families through different approaches and, where appropriate, moving between methods as cases evolve, always with a focus on helping you achieve the outcome that is right for you.
Resources for families considering mediation
If you are considering mediation and would like to understand how it works and how it fits within our wider family law services, the following resources may be helpful:
Meet our Mediators
Choosing the right mediator is an important part of the process. Our experienced mediators understand the emotional and practical challenges that separation and divorce can bring and are here to support you throughout.
We are proud of our exceptional client feedback, recognised by Legal 500, which ranked us as a leading firm for Client Satisfaction since 2024. Our expertise has been recognised across all the major legal directories, including Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, Doyles, The Times Best Law Firms, and also through various award nominations and wins. You can also read verified client reviews on Review Solicitors. We hope this provides additional reassurance that you are in experienced, safe hands.
Mediation FAQs
Our mediation FAQs provide a helpful starting point, addressing some of the most common questions we are asked about mediation. If you would like to discuss anything in more detail, our team is always happy to help.
Mediation Guide
Our Family Mediation Guide provides an overview of the different types of mediation available and how mediation sits within our integrated approach to resolving family matters, so you can feel confident that the right options are being considered.
Specialist Mediation Approaches
We have particular expertise in hybrid mediation and child-inclusive mediation and are recognised as a centre of excellence for mediation by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. Our founder, Edward Cooke, was named Child-Inclusive Mediator of the Year 2024.
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
We are pleased to offer mediation through the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which provides up to £500 towards the cost of mediation, helping more families access support at an early stage. Further information about the scheme is available here.
If you would like to speak with one of our solicitors or mediators, please contact us by email or call 01243 769001. Mediation is available at our offices in Chilgrove, Brighton and Farnham, with appointments also available in Chichester and Petersfield.
