Skip to main content
Legal news

Separating couples largely unaware of mediation options

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
2 min read

 

A new survey has shown the level of ignorance that people intending to get divorced have for non-court options.

The family lawyers’ group Resolution Today questioned just over 2,000 adults and found that 45% believed that divorces always involved a visit to court, while 40% said they did not believe it was possible to have a divorce without conflict of some sort. However, 53% did say they would make a priority of trying to make their divorce as free from arguments as possible.

The survey was timed to coincide with the first Family Dispute Resolution Week which aims to make more people aware of the alternatives to court such as mediation, arbitration and collaborative law and Resolution Today has published a guide – Separating Together: Your Options for Separation and Divorce – which it hopes will persuade more separating couples to consider non-court dispute resolution methods.

Jo Edwards, vice chair of Resolution, said that while the survey showed that people in this position do want to avoid conflict, and are determined to safeguard the well being of their children, they can be hampered by a lack of knowledge regarding non-court options. She said that using alternatives such as mediation would also reduce the burden on the courts, which are already struggling to cope and are likely to come under further pressure from next April when public funding is withdrawn from the majority of private family law cases.

Client feedback

I recently updated my will with Winston Solicitors. Emily was very helpful and professional. She explained everything I needed to know very clearly and addressed any questions I had . The service was excellent
Ann
Great experience and consistent feedback
Alexander
Good communication, clear emails, good attention to detail reacted quickly to problems.. We have used twice now and would certainly use her again as a convincing solicitor. Much better than other we have used in the past.
Rachel
The service from Sam and Paolo has been exceptional - timely, responsive and efficient through a highly stressful house purchase (no fault of theirs!) and we would highly recommend them both to anyone!
Mr & M
I recenlty contacted Winstons Solicitors to assist with a appeal for my mother with the ICB regarding a continuing health care assessment. James Urquart Burton assited me with the process. He was exteremely helpful and understanding. James provided an indepth analysis and assesssment and was present at the appeal to assist me and advocate for my mother. Jame's work is diligent, professional and he is really responsive to any questions and queries. I highly recommned contacting James to help and assist with any appeals for Continuing Healthcare and Decision Support Tool reviews
Angela
Excelent service
Angus
Amr and Joe at Winston Solicitors were great for the purchase of our new home. Being transparent with communication and providing updates when needed.
Anonymous
Quick and simple service
Jacob
Contact Jonathan