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UK Wedding News

21/08/2014

Couples To Be Offered Free Mediation Sessions

Family Justice Minister Simon Hughes has said more free mediation sessions are to be funded by the UK Government, and couples going through a separation should use these to try and avoid confrontational courtroom cases.

In 2013, figures revealed that almost two-thirds of couples, who attended a single mediation session regarding a child dispute, reached a full agreement. The mediation sessions are just one of many reforms introduced to try and improve the family justice system in the United Kingdom. It also follows recommendations made the independent Mediation Task Force.

Some of the recommendations the Government is implementing, include:

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• Funding 'one single mediation session for everyone' – if one of the involved parties is already legally aided.

• Establishing an advisory group of experts to improve practice and ensure mediation is focused on the best outcomes for any children involved.

• Reviewing future Legal Aid Agency (LAA) contracts with mediation providers to improve service.

• Exploring options for reforming the management of the mediation sector.

• Expanding the ongoing campaign to increase awareness of mediation and legal help for mediation, as well as the availability of legal aid for the process.

Commenting on the reforms, Minister Hughes said: "Earlier this year we introduced major reforms to the family justice system to reduce delays and keep families away from court. But this is not the end of the process. Too many families still end up in court locked in confrontational, damaging and expensive court battles.

"We know mediation works and we want more people to make use of it. This is why we are announcing today funding for free mediation sessions, improving the advice and information available for couples who are separating."

(JP/IT)

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"Family Justice Minister Simon Hughes has said more free mediation sessions are to be funded by the UK Government, and couples going through a separation should use these to try and avoid confrontatio