The Ministry of Justice has issued a press release in respect of the use of mediation in family law proceedings (23 January 2012).

Ken Clarke, the Justice Secretary, urged separating couples to consider mediation to take responsibility for resolving their disputes rather than turning to the courts. Encouraging separating couples to consider mediation is one of a package of reforms introduced by the Government to encourage people to consider the courts as a place of last resort.

Mediation can be a quicker, cheaper and more amicable alternative to court. The mediator can help you work through the issues in a neutral and non-hostile environment and assist you in making arrangements which both sides can agree with. This is often preferable to putting solicitors and a judge in charge of deciding a couple's future financial arrangements, which can be more expensive, more acrimonious, and take longer to resolve.

Our mediators are professionally trained to work with individuals, couples and families to reach agreements when they separate or divorce, especially where there are children involved.

Rules introduced in April of last year mean that separating couples who intend to make an application to the court must now complete an assessment (called a MIAM, or a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) to determine if mediation is a better option for them. Our mediators are also qualified to assist you with this process and many couples decide to continue with mediation as an alternative to the court process as a result of these meetings.

If you would like to further information or advice, please contact:

Demelza Patricio in Reigate office at demelza.patricio@twmsolicitors.com

Michelle Fitzpatrick in Guildford office at michelle.fitzpatrick@twmsolicitors.com

Or alternatively, please visit our dedicated Mediation