Family lawyer calls for successful mediation scheme to be extended

A scheme enabling separating couples with children to access mediation has seen thousands reaching agreement without having to go to court.

The time-limited scheme is run by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) which says nearly 7,000 families have used the conflict reduction tool.

Mediation is a process which enable parties to reach a settlement, including in relation to children and financial matters.

Practitioners, including specially trained lawyers at Stone King, say it is especially helpful in reducing conflict and finding amicable solutions for separating parties and their families.

Stone King has taken part in the voucher scheme with family lawyer and mediator Rebecca Eels saying:

“The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme has been so beneficial to families in helping them access mediation and thus in turn make amicable decisions that benefit their children. “Recent figures show that nearly 7,000 families have benefited from the scheme since it was introduced last year, with 65% reaching full or partial agreement.

“It would be absolutely fantastic if this scheme could be extended to allow even more families to have the funds to access family mediation.”

Data from the FMC and the Ministry of Justice shows that:

• 6,850 families have used the scheme and the department expects 7,000 will have benefited from it by the end of the financial year.
• FMC survey data suggests 65% of separated parents reached whole or partial agreement, and did not go on to attend court.
• A further 3% only attended court to secure a consent order to formalise their agreement.

Although no more vouchers are due to be issued those who have already been awarded one can still them.

For more information on mediation or to contact one of Stone King’s family lawyers and mediators please click here.