Relate & relationship counselling — before and during separation
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-27
What this service is
Relate (now delivering via Relate legacy services and counselling partners) is the UK's largest relationship counselling provider. Counselling is not mediation and not legal advice — it helps you and (sometimes) your ex-partner communicate, decide whether the relationship is over, and co-parent constructively afterwards.
What they offer
- Individual and couples counselling (in person and online)
- Family counselling — for parents and children together
- Young people's counselling — for children affected by family change
- Separation-specific counselling to plan a constructive split
How to use them
1. Find a service via the Relate website or local delivery partners 2. Fees vary (many services offer subsidies); some areas have free sessions 3. Counselling can run alongside — or instead of — court proceedings
How this fits your family court case
Courts consistently prefer parents who communicate. Counselling that improves co-parenting is never wasted — and it keeps children out of the conflict. For the legal process itself, pair with our C100, mediation and court guides.
Official links
- https://www.relate.org.uk
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with Relate.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.