Family breakdown can be costly in many ways. It can cause financial hardship, lead to acrimonious court battles, and have a lasting effect on the emotional wellbeing of any children involved. But a good family mediator could make all the difference and can often help warring couples sort out their problems without ending up in court.

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Getting started as a mediator

* Get started by volunteering at a family centre or child contact centre – see the National Association of Child Contact Centres (naccc.org.uk).

* Foundation Training courses are run by National Family Mediation and cost between £1,000 and £2,000. It may also be possible to find a funded trainee position with a mediation service.

* After initial training, supervised experience and a case study portfolio leads to recognition by the Legal Services Commission and allows you to take on legal aid work.

* A mediator earns between £25,000 and £30,000 rising to around £35,000 with a management or training role. Workplace mediation pays upwards of £350 per day.