By Louise Martin, Director at Onions & Davies
Separated parents who are finding it difficult to agree on their child arrangements, may be interested to know that the Private Family Law Early Resolution Consultation has now concluded.
The government has promised in its response that these families will have access to early legal advice, with better support for domestic abuse victims.
Although the changes do not go as far as to make mediation mandatory, there is to be an increased emphasis on family mediation, with mediators hopefully receiving additional training on the measures, including the availability of improved domestic abuse screening for mediators.
Family mediators can already enable some free family mediation, for separated parents who cannot agree on children issues, through the Mediation Voucher Scheme, to encourage out-of-court settlements.
The changes are thought to help save the impact on children of high and long-term conflict between separated parents by helping encourage parents to reach their own decisions rather than have a court-imposed decision. Thus, freeing up courts for the most serious safeguarding cases to be heard by Judges.
See the press release for further details: Children’s wellbeing at the heart of family court reforms – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For more information about family mediation, click here.
Family Solicitors Shropshire
Louise Martin trained as a Resolution mediator in 2016 and established a private mediation practice at Onions & Davies Ltd during that time.
She is skilled in family law, enabling her to help mediation clients reach outcomes for the benefit of themselves and their families.
For an appointment with Louise or to discuss mediation further, please telephone Sharon on 01630 411226.