Call to cut divorce court battles

More divorce cases should be setted outside the courtroom, it has been recommended.

Couples should look to seek mediation, the Family Justice Review urged, in order to reduce the strain on the system and save millions in legal aid.

The recommendation comes as more and more parents become involved in legal battles over children and money.

The Family Justice Review said the courts would continue to deal with more complicated cases but in shorter, simpler hearings.

David Norgrove, chairing the Whitehall review, said there was currently a "tremendous strain" on the system which was "really intolerable" for children and their parents.

He told The Times: "The family justice system as a whole we estimate to cost just over £1.6 billion – much higher than anyone else has previously estimated.

"There is a general sense that more cases can and should be devolved from the court-based process."

About 137,000 such cases were dealt with last year, a rise of 16%, The Times said.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman stressed that the review, due to publish its findings next year, was continuing.

Family and Matrimonial (Divorce and separation; Financial settlement such as pension sharing, property, maintenance and other assets; Unmarried and same sex couples where children and/or joint property are involved; Dissolution of civil partnerships; Children – residence, contact; Pre- and post-nuptial agreements; Pre- and post-civil partnership agreements; Co-habitation agreements)

At IBB Solicitors our divorce lawyers in London help families across West London and Bucks. For advice, contact a member of the team, call us on 01494 790007 or email enquiries@ibblaw.co.uk.