Compulsory mediation ruled out for separating couples

Law Gazette

Plans to force separating couples into mediation to keep family disputes away from court have been shelved, the government announced this morning.

After consulting on mandatory mediation last year, the Ministry of Justice said that concerns had been raised about the adequacy of proposed safeguards to protect victims of domestic abuse. The ministry will instead work with the Family Mediation Council to improve training for mediators on abuse and identifying victims.

At the same time, the ministry stressed that its mediation voucher scheme has so far helped over 24,600 families resolve their issues away from court.

A legal advice pilot was also announced to help families agree child arrangements quickly and address barriers to early resolution.

Read more: Law Gazette

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