UK introduces plan to protect children under new mediation reforms - eprivateclient

"Given the number of ways in which mediation can be conducted, an individual who may be reluctant to go to mediation can get additional support from a lawyer to assist with the process and empower them to make decisions which can be challenging in difficult circumstances. Concluding matters outside of a court battle is generally always more beneficial to the family."

Speaking with eprivateclient, family partner Hannah Field comments on the Ministry of Justice's recently announced plans to make mediation mandatory for separating families. The proposed plans would make mediation mandatory in family court cases (excluding those which include allegations or a history of domestic violence), meaning separating couples will have to attempt to agree their child custody and financial arrangements through mediation, with court action being a last resort.

The full article is available to read by subscription to eprivateclient.

Hannah Field is a partner and head of the Kingston family team. She regularly advises on advises on a broad range of family law issues including divorce, matrimonial finances, cohabitation disputes, pre and post-nuptial agreements, domestic violence orders including non-molestation and occupation orders as well as private law disputes relating to children.