What it is
Couples counselling is emotional support for the relationship. Family mediation is a structured, impartial process to reach agreement on children or finances. Legal advice on divorce or separation must come from a regulated solicitor or legal professional.
Who may find it useful
- Couples wanting to work on the relationship
- Separating couples needing practical agreement on children or money
- Anyone needing to understand their legal position
What it provides
- Counselling: a confidential space to work on the relationship, individually or together
- Mediation: an impartial process to reach agreement without going to court
What it does not provide
- Counsellors and mediators do not give legal advice and do not represent you
- Mediation is not appropriate where there has been domestic abuse — say so and seek specialist support
- Nothing on this page is legal advice
How to choose a provider in the UK
- Decide which of the three you actually need first — many people need more than one, in sequence.
- For counselling, check the practitioner's register (BACP, UKCP or NCPS).
- For mediation, ask whether the mediator is accredited by the Family Mediation Council.
- For legal advice, use a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Legal aid may be available for mediation in some cases.
Registration worth checking
Ask any practitioner directly and check the relevant public register yourself. A listing on Happy As Life is not proof of registration.
- BACP / UKCP / NCPS — Counselling and psychotherapy registers — check before booking couples counselling.
- Family Mediation Council — Accredits family mediators in England and Wales.
- Solicitors Regulation Authority — Regulates solicitors — check anyone giving legal advice.
Sensible questions to ask
- Are you offering counselling, mediation or legal advice?
- What accreditation or regulation covers that work?
- What are the total costs and how are they charged?
- How do you handle safety concerns or abuse?
UK providers listed with us
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