Separate Without Court
Ruth Schocken Katz, mediator
Divorce and Separation Mediation Services
Divorce mediation helps you make the decisions that sit alongside separation, without turning it into a fight. With an impartial mediator, you can work through finances, property and parenting arrangements in a confidential setting, in person or online.
Who Divorce Mediation Is For?
This service is for married or unmarried couples (including civil partners) who are separating and want a practical, respectful way to agree next steps. It can help where communication has become difficult, where decisions feel stuck, or where you both want to minimise the stress and cost of formal proceedings.
What You Can Agree in Divorce Mediation
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Children: day-to-day routine, holidays, communication and decision making.
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Finances: income, outgoings, assets, debts and proposals for settlement.
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Property: options for the family home, including timelines and practical next steps.
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Maintenance: discussing what feels sustainable and fair, and what information you may need before deciding.
The Divorce Mediation Process
Step 1: MIAM (individual).
Each person attends a Mediation and Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to understand the mediation process and assess suitability.
Step 2: Joint sessions.
Typically 1.5 hours facilitated for progress with a guided agenda.
Step 3: Financial disclosure (where relevant).
A transparent exchange of financial information to support informed proposals.
Step 4: Written outcome documents.
A Memorandum of Understanding and, where relevant, an Open Financial Statement, so you can take legal advice and formalise agreements.
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Step 5: Next steps.
If you choose, a solicitor can convert proposals into a consent order or agreement for court approval.
Where Sessions Take Place
In person at Camden Therapy, or online via Zoom.
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Shuttle mediation can be discussed where sitting together is not workable or feels unsafe. ​
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Luckily we spoke to Ruth about marital issues. Her great ability to listen and to manage conflict between individuals allowed us to move swiftly towards a better situation.
"Her great understanding and tactful way to help us envision new ways forward enabled us to swiftly resolve our conflicts through separation without dragging on for a longer time or greater damages to the whole family. I would surely recommend Ruth very strongly for mediation or conflict resolution."
Divorce Mediation FAQs
Do we have to be in the same room?
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Not always. Many people mediate together, but options can be considered where direct discussion is not suitable. The priority is a process that feels safe and productive.
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How long does divorce mediation take?
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It depends on complexity. Many people reach proposals over a small number of joint sessions after their MIAMs. As your mediator I will help you set a realistic pace based on what needs to be agreed.
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Do we need solicitors as well?
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Not in the sessions, but independent legal advice is often helpful. Many people involve solicitors to review proposals and to formalise an agreement where appropriate.
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Is what we say confidential?
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Yes. Mediation is confidential, with limited legal exceptions. Confidentiality and the ‘without prejudice’ nature of mediation at the first formal meeting (MIAM).