News and Events

Separation, Divorce, Children Issues? Avoid Court

On the 6th April 2011 a new set of court rules concerning family matters came into force. Anyone who now wants to bring a case before the family court about their children or money when they want to divorce or separate, has to show that they have considered mediation.

Applicants are expected to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting before they send your papers to court and a new form should be completed to confirm to the Judge whether you have attended a meeting and considered mediation.

What is mediation? A neutral qualified third party meets with a couple to discuss issues following a separation or marriage breakdown and can help the couple resolve issues they may have about money or their children. This can cover anything from how to divide savings and sort out the home to arrangements for parents to see their children or where those children will live.

Why mediation? If a case goes to court, a Judge may make a decision that neither person may like or even agree with. At mediation decisions can be made by the couple involved together. Mediation is cheaper than attending court and can pave the way for a couple to communicate with each other into the future, which is particularly vital when a couple have children.

Martin Davis and Cherise Luke-Bennett are experienced family law solicitors at Battens Solicitors & Mediators, and both have recently qualified as Family Mediators. They are able to offer mediation sessions in any of their four offices at Weymouth, Dorchester, Sherborne or Yeovil, at a time that is suitable to the couple, whether that be in the evening or on a weekend.

Martin, Cherise or any of the Family team at Battens would be happy to discuss what mediation is and the process of mediation. Please call 01305 774666 or 01935 814811 for further information.

Created: 22 July 2011