Is mediation a ‘hoop to jump through’ before you can issue court proceedings?

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The Ministry of Justice recently published a summary on people’s attitudes towards various forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation. While it is mandatory to consider mediation before issuing court proceedings in the family court, the survey showed that some dismissed mediation in family cases as “an attempt to put relationships back together” or “a token step along the inevitable road to court.” […]

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Parenting through separation – a free guide to families who are divorcing or separating

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Resolution, the national family justice organisation, is offering a free guide to families who are divorcing or separating. The parenting through separation guide is written by family professionals and is full of practical steps that parents can take to put their children first during a separation. The launch of the guide marks the start of […]

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The role of the lawyer in the mediation process

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Alice Scambler, Partner in the Family Law Department of Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, featured in the May/June issue of The Review magazine published by a community of family justice professionals, Resolution. Alice offers an overview of the workshop “The role of the lawyer in the mediation process” that took place at the National Conference 2021. Members […]

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The private route to resolving issues

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The family court is vital and irreplaceable. Its structure, boundaries and rules make for a fair process and predominantly fair outcomes. The skills of judges in cutting through multi-faceted issues mean that families leave with workable solutions. And people who are subject to a home-life of violence and harassment can get swift protection.     However, the […]

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Family Mediation

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It’s Family Mediation Week. This is an annual awareness-raising event that shines a spotlight on alternative ways of resolving issues within families. By ‘alternative’ I mean ‘a way other than through the courts’. Most people who come to me for advice about divorce or about a dispute with their former partner over child contact arrangements, […]

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Meet the mediator

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A report published at the end of 2020 once again highlighted a need for families to avoid taking their disputes to court if they can. The court system is overburdened; cases are taking too long to come before judges. And there is wide recognition that alternative dispute resolution methods can get families not just a […]

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Family Mediation

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Clients who want to divorce often tell me it’s something they’ve been putting off. They have dreaded the prospect of months of messy and hostile squabbles with their ex. Of having a judge unpick the details of their family life. Having to give evidence. And having to sit tight for many months while the court […]

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Collaborative Law and Mediation

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A relationship breakdown can have profound and long-lasting effects on a couple, on their children, and on the wider family. It can even affect social networks, with friends intentionally or otherwise siding with one party. While there is no way of eliminating the emotional and practical challenges of separation, divorce, or dissolution, there is growing […]

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