header-logo header-logo

Mediation still not first option for family disputes

29 January 2025
Issue: 8102 / Categories: Legal News , Family , Mediation , ADR
printer mail-detail
Two thirds of people are aware that family mediation is an option to help avoid court in the event of divorce or separation, but only 30% would make a family mediator their first port of call.

Instead, 45% would turn to a lawyer first, according to a survey commissioned by the Family Mediation Council (FMC). The results were published this week to coincide with Family Mediation Week.

Chair of the FMC Stephen Burke said: ‘It’s good that so many people know family mediation is an option to help them resolve money, property and parenting issues in divorce or separation. 

‘It is now my goal to ensure that growing awareness means that divorcing and separating couples take action, knocking on a family mediator's door first. They will do so knowing the process can lead to their issues being resolved more quickly, with less stress and less expense than if they head off to a court.’

Issue: 8102 / Categories: Legal News , Family , Mediation , ADR
printer mail-details

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Freeths—Ruth Clare

Freeths—Ruth Clare

National real estate team bolstered by partner hire in Manchester

Farrer & Co—Claire Gordon

Farrer & Co—Claire Gordon

Partner appointed head of family team

mfg Solicitors—Neil Harrison

mfg Solicitors—Neil Harrison

Firm strengthens agriculture and rural affairs team with partner return

NEWS
Conveyancing lawyers have enjoyed a rapid win after campaigning against UK Finance’s decision to charge for access to the Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has launched a recruitment drive for talented early career and more senior barristers and solicitors
Regulators differed in the clarity and consistency of their post-Mazur advice and guidance, according to an interim report by the Legal Services Board (LSB)
The Solicitors Act 1974 may still underpin legal regulation, but its age is increasingly showing. Writing in NLJ this week, Victoria Morrison-Hughes of the Association of Costs Lawyers argues that the Act is ‘out of step with modern consumer law’ and actively deters fairness
A Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) ruling has reopened debate on the availability of ‘user damages’ in competition claims. Writing in NLJ this week, Edward Nyman of Hausfeld explains how the CAT allowed Dr Liza Lovdahl Gormsen’s alternative damages case against Meta to proceed, rejecting arguments that such damages are barred in competition law
back-to-top-scroll