Family mediation for separating parents in Northern Ireland
Reviewed 18 July 2026 · Northern Ireland · signposting, not legal or financial advice
If you're separating and want to work out arrangements for your children without going to court, family mediation can really help. Family Mediation NI and Relate NI both offer mediation services across Northern Ireland to help parents reach agreement on childcare, finances and property in a calmer way.
You might also find it helpful to get in touch with Gingerbread NI, who support single parent families through separation and can give you advice and practical help. If you've got concerns about your children's welfare or need legal information, the Children's Law Centre NI offers free advice through their CHALKY advice line. And if domestic abuse is a factor in your situation, Women's Aid Federation NI has a 24-hour helpline and support services available.
Where to get help
Family Mediation NI Visit › Northern Ireland charity providing family mediation to help separated parents agree arrangements for children, finances and property without going to court. Northern Ireland Call 028 9024 3265 Relate NI Visit › Relationship counselling and family mediation across Northern Ireland, including support for couples who are separating and for parents working out arrangements for their children. Northern Ireland Call 028 9032 3454 Parentline NI Visit › Free confidential helpline for parents in Northern Ireland on separation, contact and family change. Northern Ireland Call 0808 8020 400 Gingerbread NI Visit › Northern Ireland charity supporting single parent families with advice, training, family support programmes and help around separation. Northern Ireland Call 028 9023 1417 Children's Law Centre NI Visit › Free legal information, advice and representation for children and young people in Northern Ireland, including family and contact matters, via the CHALKY advice line. Northern Ireland Call 0808 808 5678 Women's Aid Federation NI Visit › Support for women and children affected by domestic abuse in Northern Ireland, including refuge, outreach and the 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline. Northern Ireland Call 0808 802 1414The basics in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has something many parents do not realise exists: a free pre-court mediation service, separate from anything the court later directs. It is entirely voluntary, and it covers the things separating parents most need to sort out, from arrangements for the children to finance and property. Here is what nidirect, the official government site, sets out.
Checked August 2026 against nidirect.gov.uk.
How family mediation works
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential way to sort out arrangements without going to court. A trained, neutral mediator helps you both reach your own agreement.
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