Family Solicitors

The designated family judge for London, His Honour Judge John Altman, has set up a new family court in London, which aims to bring alternative dispute resolution to the courts.

The Law Society Gazette reports that the new family court is part of the Central Family Court in Holborn, central London – and included a Citizens Advice Bureau, a contact centre which enables a judge to direct a defined period of contact – as well as a pro bono scheme offering free legal services.

There are also Mediation Assessment Meetings, together with a personal support unit – and a programme which focuses on the needs of children when their parents separate.

The court has case management and time-tabling powers to prevent delays in family disputes, with the aim of resolving family disputes at a first-hearing dispute resolution appointment – and advising parties on whether to use resolution included within the court.

Some families may prefer to use their own independent dispute resolution lawyers, however – or a court hearing may be required to resolve a dispute.

Judge Altman said:

“In the end, a trial may be the only solution in a case – but we consider that the responsibility of the family court in the present day is to draw into its processes all the agencies that can lead to the best solution.”

Cases heard in the Family Division were subject to the coalition government’s cuts to Legal Aid in 2013, with more parties now having to act as litigants in person in the family court where there is a dispute with a former partner that cannot be resolved using family mediation.

Duncan Lewis Divorce Solicitors – Lawyers Supported Family Mediation

Duncan Lewis divorce solicitors offer expert lawyers-supported family mediation services to couples and individuals involved in divorce and family disputes – including family mediation for same sex couples and alternative dispute resolution in disagreements over child care arrangements, court orders, finances or property.

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors and in certain cases may be able to arrange Legal Aid to cover some costs involved in family mediation.

Duncan Lewis also offers fixed fee arrangements for family mediation whenever possible – and can advise on disputes in high net worth divorces, separations and dissolution of civil partnerships.

For expert legal advice on lawyers-supported family mediation services and contested divorce matters, call Duncan Lewis divorce solicitors on 020 7923 4020.