Mediation vs Court

Compare your options and make the right choice for your family

Factor
Mediation
Court
Timeline
2-8 weeks
6-18 months
Cost
£300-£1,200
£5,000-£25,000+
Privacy
Completely confidential
Public court records
Control
You decide outcomes
Judge decides for you
Flexibility
Creative solutions
Limited legal remedies
Relationship Impact
Preserves co-parenting
Often damages relationship
Stress Level
Lower stress
High stress
Success Rate
75-85%
Variable
80%
of mediation cases reach full agreement
90%
cost savings vs court proceedings
95%
of clients would recommend mediation
6x
faster than court proceedings

Choose Mediation If:

You Want to Work Together

  • Both parties are willing to discuss issues
  • You want to maintain a civil relationship
  • The children's needs come first
  • You prefer private resolution

You Value Time and Money

  • You want a quick resolution
  • Legal costs are a concern
  • You prefer flexibility in scheduling
  • You want to avoid court stress

Consider Court If:

Safety Concerns Exist

  • Domestic violence or abuse
  • Child protection issues
  • Significant power imbalance
  • Mental health concerns affecting capacity

Legal Enforcement Needed

  • One party refuses to engage
  • Complex legal precedent needed
  • Urgent protection orders required
  • Criminal allegations involved

Ready to Try Mediation?

Book a MIAM session to explore if mediation is right for your situation

Book Your MIAM