Legal News
Couples Facing Divorce Encouraged to Mediate (10 January 2012)
Date: 10/01/2012
The Government has encouraged couples considering divorce to mediate rather than litigate. Jonathan Djanogly, the justice minister, urged couples to avoid instigating costly court action and to turn to mediation to enable them to control their futures. Mr. Djanogly has described mediation as faster, affordable and more amicable than divorce and added that it was of particular importance to couples with children, as it provides them with the skills required to consider the best interests of their children.
Jane Robey, the National Family Mediation’s chief executive, has told of how research had shown that more couples decide to divorce following the New Year than at any other time of the year. She added that the stress incurred by being together over the Christmas period often proved the final straw for couples on the brink of divorce.
Mediation involves couples agreeing to arrangements that suit both parties with the aid of a qualified mediator, as opposed to allowing family law solicitors and a judge to take charge of the deciding issues. New rules state that any couple choosing to contest their separation terms in the courts of law must first consider mediation. The Government has allocated £25 million a year to mediation services.
Duncan Lewis’ family law solicitors provide legal representation to clients facing divorce. The department understands that divorce is of a sensitive nature, especially when children are involved and make an effort to provide legal solutions that lessen the strain on all involved. The family law department comprises a highly trained team possessing a wealth of experience in divorce cases.