A calmer way to separate.
Ruth Schocken Katz, mediator
Divorce and Separation Mediation in London
Mediation helps you make practical decisions about children, finances and the family home without a lengthy court process and expensive fees.
I’m Ruth Schocken Katz, a London-based trained family mediator and EMCC-accredited Senior Coach, offering in-person sessions in Camden, London, and secure online mediation.
What Mediation Is (and Who It Helps)
Mediation is a structured, confidential process where an impartial mediator helps you and the other person talk through the decisions that come with separation.
It is designed for people who want a less adversarial divorce or separation. Mediation is an opportunity for both parties to achieve open dialogue, a fair outcome, clearer communication and a practical plan for what happens next.
You stay in control of the decisions. As a divorce mediator, I guide the conversation, keep it balanced, and help you explore workable options without pressure.
Mediation is a highly successful way of helping couples resolve disputes, enabling complete or partial agreements in 70% of cases.
Why Mediation?
What You Can Cover in Mediation
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Children and parenting arrangements (day-to-day routine, holidays, communication and decision making).
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Finances and the family home (financial disclosure, proposals, and next steps for formalising agreements).
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How you will manage change (new partners, moving home, schooling and future reviews).
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Other important matters like arrangements for family pets.
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Why Choose Mediation Instead of Court
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Mediation is person-centred, private and confidential, so sensitive family matters are not played out in public.
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Mediation is less stressful than going to court.
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Mediation is typically quicker and more cost-effective than lengthy solicitor correspondence and court hearings. Mediation cost is typically less than £1000 per person, compared with more than £14,000 through the UK courts.
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Mediation is more flexible, available in both in-person and online formats.
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Mediation places the children’s needs at its core and is more likely to support a workable co-parenting relationship.
Why Work with Me
My professional mediation training, combined with a coaching accreditation, helps people stay steady and heard during emotionally difficult conversations. In my work with separating couples, I bring a calm presence, clear structure and an ability to keep sessions focused on progress.
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Family mediator registered with the Family Mediation Council (FMC).
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Member of the Family Mediation Association and the College of Mediators.
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Senior Coach, accredited by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).
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Based in London, with sessions at Camden Therapy and online by Zoom.
How It Works (At a Glance)
1. Free 15-minute call: a brief, confidential chat to understand what you need and talk through next steps.
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2. MIAM: an individual Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting for each person (45 to 60 minutes).
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3. Joint mediation sessions: typically, 1.5 hours per session, working through children's arrangements, property, finances and practical agreements.
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4. Outcome documents: a written summary of proposals (and financial summary where relevant), so you can take the next steps to formalise agreements.
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Quick Mediation FAQs
How much does mediation cost?
Most people will pay  between £1,000 and £2,000 per person, including the cost of the MIAM and any outcome documents. Compared with the average cost of a divorce through the courts in the UK, which is currently more than £14,000 according to the FMC, family mediation is a much more cost-effective route to resolution.
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Do we both have to agree to mediation?
Mediation is voluntary. You can only proceed if both of you are willing. A MIAM helps each person understand the process and decide whether it feels suitable.
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Is mediation legally binding?
The proposals you reach in mediation are not automatically legally binding. Many people take the memorandum of understanding to a solicitor, who can draft a consent order or agreement, where appropriate.
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Where do sessions take place?
In-person sessions are available at Camden Therapy or online via Zoom. A hybrid approach can also work well for busy schedules.