By Lucy Caulkett-
The British government plans to give 2,000 families up to £500 towards the costs of mediation, provided by government for the first time without a means test
The move is aimed at helping alleviate pressures on the family courts, resulting from the pandemic.
The scheme will be administered by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), on behalf of the MOJ.
The scheme involves couples working through their differences led by a trained and accredited mediator to reach agreements they are both prepared to accept, such as how to split assets or arranging child contact times, rather than have a judge decide for them.
In June, 2020, the British government announced a major overhaul of the family courts to protect domestic abuse victims which included more special protections in courts, stronger powers for judges, and piloting Integrated Domestic Abuse Courts.
Over 70% of couples using mediation services resolved their issues outside of the courtroom. It is a cheaper way of resolving disputes, which can spare families the trauma of attending court and the impact this can have on children.
Courts can be requested to consider their agreement and make it into a legally binding and enforceable court order.
The move will also help to alleviate pressures on the family courts system resulting from the pandemic by diverting cases better suited for mediation away from the courts.
Courts Minister, Lord Wolfson QC, said:
”Mediation is often a quicker, cheaper and less stressful way of resolving disputes, which helps separating couples reach amicable agreements without an unnecessary and often acrimonious court process.
Our new scheme will open up the benefits of these services to even more families – sparing them the stress of long legal battles, while also helping to lessen the pressure on our family courts as we recover from the pandemic.
John Taylor, Chair of the Family Mediation Council said:
”This government investment in mediation is much welcomed by the Family Mediation Council. It will help separated families agree solutions that are best for their children, taking into account what is going to be important for them as they grow up.
Family mediation is a proven cost-effective way to resolve differences following separation. This voucher scheme will make it even more accessible, and will help families resolve issues for themselves, without having to go to court.
The scheme is eligible for families seeking to resolve private law or financial matters relating to children – for example child arrangement orders or financial disputes regarding a child’s upbringing.
If a case is eligible for vouchers, the mediator will automatically claim back the contributions from the government.
The move forms part of recent action by the government to help reduce family conflict, including introducing new laws to spare divorcing couples the need to apportion blame for the breakdown of their marriage.
Today’s announcement follows a major overhaul of the family courts announced last year to better protect victims of domestic abuse, including an automatic entitlement for special measures in courtrooms and stronger powers for judges to stop abusers repeatedly dragging their victims to court”.