A new government scheme has been put into place to give separating couples a free family mediation session, even if only one of them qualifies for legal aid. Previously, only the legally aided person was entitled to have the session for free, and the other person had to pay.
The new initiative will begin from 3rd November 2014 and will provide both ex-partners with a free mediation session. Mediation is an alternative way of resolving the issues that can arise from separation. It helps you to avoid battles or contested hearings in court about the arrangements for the children, financial issues or how you wish to go about getting divorced.
Jane Robey, Chief Executive of National Family Mediation, said:
“This new scheme can help thousands of people across England and Wales take a vital first step to unlock an understanding of what family mediation can achieve. Mediation puts families in control of their post-separation future instead of handing it over to family courts. It’s a much quicker, less confrontational and a more cost effective way of settling family breakdown.
“Separating people are often reluctant to pay for family mediation, especially so when they know the other person – their ex – is getting it for free. They rarely understand exactly what they will be paying for and, are quite apprehensive about coming since mediation is usually an unknown quantity, they are unsure it will work.”
At Williamsons Solicitors, we provide expert mediation services as well as confidential appointments for you and your partner to help you sort out the practical arrangements for your children, property, possessions, and importantly, your future.
Our mediators will not offer you legal advice but they will give you information about the legal process and the documents you need to complete to ensure that your agreements are legally binding. They are qualified solicitors so they can help you go through your finances together to reach an agreement that is fair.
Read more about our Mediation services here.
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