Behind closed doors, in more than 500 locations across England and Wales, a network of National Family Mediation (NFM) services are meeting separated couples attempting to resolve their disputes over money, children and property – without a courtroom battle.

With privileged access to the private world of family mediation, BBC Two have curated documentary series that will provide a unique insight into an element of modern British family life rarely seen by others.

With NFM delivering an average of 16,000 mediations per year and 89 percent of cases closing successfully[1], it can be an intense but effective process – as the separated couples make plans together, face-to-face, with the help of a skilled mediator. Using a hybrid of rig and crews between mediation sessions and at home, we’ll see how families deal with the practical and emotional reality of the changes they agree upon.

In this first episode, Sue and Peter are divorcing but can’t agree on how their money should be split, after Sue left the family home for another relationship. In another case, Martin wants see the two sons he has with ex-partner Nicky, but she doesn’t want to see him and negotiations are proving difficult.

We also meet Jason and Vicky, separated parents, who are struggling to share the parenting of their daughter. They haven’t spoken a word to each other for the last six months and after a complete breakdown in communication, their only point of contact is Vicky’s new husband. As skilled mediator Irene offers shuttle mediation between two separate rooms, will the two parties manage to reach an agreement?

It’s not often we get to see inside the mediation room – if you’ve wondered what family mediation is like don’t miss this 3 part series starts Tuesday 21 June, 9.00pm-10.00pm BBC TWO.