Martin Partington: Spotlight on the Justice System

Mediation is the Government’s preferred option for resolving family disputes. The Government has recently announced that, from 3 November 2014, the first mediation meeting will be free to both parties, so long as at least one of the parties to the dispute is in receipt of legal aid.

In addition, from January 1 2015 there will be a third stage in the government’s work to improve mediation and encourage separating couples to use it to resolve disputes. From the beginning of the New Year, the Family Mediation Council (FMC) is introducing a compulsory accreditation scheme and new professional standards which all mediators must work toward. All mediators and those working towards becoming a family mediator will be required to be registered with the FMC. The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is funding the preparation work and costs of implementing the new standards.

These announcements follow recommendations from the Family Mediation Taskforce.

See https://www.gov.uk/government/news/free-mediation-for-more-separating-couples-begins

The report of the Family Mediation Taskforce report, published in June 2014, can be found by googling Family Mediation Taskforce.