Law To Help Couples Avoid Court

A proposed law to help separating parents and couples so they don’t have to battle in court is being introduced.

The law would see that someone wanting to apply for a court order concerning children or a matter involving money would have to initially attend a mediation information and assessment meeting. The proposed law is part of the Children and Families Bill that Parliament is considering. Family Justice Minister Simon Hughes said the Government is committed to ensuring mediation is used more often, as an alternative to the confrontation and stress of court. “When people separate we want them to do it in the least damaging way for everyone involved, especially children”, said Mr Hughes.

In mediation, a trained and certified mediator leads couples in talks to reach agreements which both parties will settle for, instead of a court dictating the deal. After this, couples can ask a court to consider and make the agreement legally binding and enforceable.

Our Family and Matrimonial team helps families across West London and Bucks. For advice, contact a member of the team, call us on 01494 790058 or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.