You can start at any time and it is never too early or too late. The most common times for people to enter into mediation are:
At the point of separation when there is an acknowledgement that children or financial matters need to be sorted. Starting mediation early means that you are less likely to have become entrenched, and you might be more able to discuss matters constructively and amicably. However, for some it is too early to negotiate when they are still coming to terms with the relationship breakdown. Often people need to have moved on themselves before they are ready to negotiate and so, for some people, it may be better to wait a while before going into mediation.
Ahead of any anticipated court proceedings. The knowledge that a matter is about to enter a court process often focuses the mind and many people are ready to attempt to settle before facing a lengthy and expensive court case. This is often a good time to achieve a resolution.
During the court process. Many people, once they have entered the court arena, find it frustrating, unsupportive and expensive. People are not necessarily locked into that process and indeed judges are required to consider mediation at all stages of the case. Therefore, the court will be only too pleased to adjourn your court case to allow you to head into mediation, and many couples should take advantage of this.
Ahead of a final hearing or court trial. By this time all evidence has been gathered and this could be an ideal time to have one final go at agreeing things before a judge imposes their decision on you both . Thousands of pounds in legal fees could be saved by if only couples took the opportunity to mediate before embarking on an expensive and traumatic final hearing.