A major call for evidence has been launched by the Government, seeking views on the best ways to settle family, business and other civil disputes away from the courtroom. Responses will shape future reforms to civil, family, and administrative justice, with Ministers determined to help more people resolve their issues without the stress and cost of a court case.
Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland QC MP, said “we want the public, families and businesses to be able to resolve disputes easily and with as little stress as possible – avoiding often lengthy and costly court battles”.
National Family Mediation welcomes the opportunity to provide evidence to the Ministry of Justice consultation.
“25 years have passed since the Lord Woolf reforms, so this opportunity can’t come soon enough” says Jane Robey, CEO of National Family Mediation.
National Family Mediation is the largest provider of family mediation in England and Wales, as well as the being the oldest organisation in the field, celebrating 40 years next year.
“We know only too well the benefits mediation can bring to divorcing and separating families and welcome the opportunity to showcase our successes through this call for evidence”.
“Agreement rates for families going into mediation are generally high with the national figures around 75%. In NFM those rates are even higher at 83%. That means many more families getting arrangements in place for their children, finances and property that suit their unique and individual circumstances”.
The call for evidence will last for eight weeks and closes on 30th September.
View and respond to the consultation here
National Family Mediation (NFM) was the original provider of family mediation, and its network of accredited services now delivers in over 500 locations across England and Wales. The charity helps families resolve all the practical, legal, emotional and financial issues that arise from separation, helping families make long-lasting arrangements that benefit everyone in the family, especially their children.
