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Mandatory mediation debate to resurface amidst government dispute resolution consultation

Date:21 OCT 2021
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Chief Executive, NFM

In March the government launched what was then widely publicised as a ‘temporary’ voucher scheme designed to improve the take-up of family mediation for separating families with children. An initial £1 million was made available to cover costs of up to £500.

Around 2000 families were set to benefit with early analysis of the data captured indicating that a high percentage rate of successfully mediated agreements in cases where a voucher was used.

The scheme has since been extended.

While not without its shortcomings – namely that the funding does not cover the initial mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM), or for work necessary to draft documentation – overall, the initiative has been very well received.

Indeed, there are even signs that that many participants no longer felt the need to take their dispute to court; helping to alleviate the post-LASPO Act logjams which have been further aggravated by the pandemic, as well as no doubt driving down the financial and emotional burden of separation and divorce for those involved.

Read the full article here.