The act includes a number of specific measures with the Family Justice and Civil Liberties Minister Simon Hughes stating:
“We are making sure the welfare of children is at the heart of the family justice system. We want to keep families away from the negative effects that going to court can have and to use alternative solutions when they are suitable. This is why we have changed the law to make sure that separating couples always consider mediation as an alternative to a courtroom battle.
When cases come to court we want them to happen in the least damaging way”.
The family Justice Act includes
- Making it a requirement for parents to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with a mediator.
- Sending a clear signal to separating parents that courts will take into account the principle that both should continue to be involved in their children’s lives where that is safe and consistent with the child’s welfare.
At Gepp and Sons, we provide legal advice to separating and divorcing couples both with, and without children. We also provide through Stewart Thomson our Family Mediator, a mediation service that covers all issues, child contact and living arrangements, property and finance or specific areas of dispute.
With the introduction of the new Act, Gepp and Sons are committed to provide the best advice and guidance to separating couples during the difficult period of separating and considering divorce. Our experience tells us that couples value the opportunity to get good balanced advice on what their options are, and what best suits their situation.
To help couples, Gepp and Sons, through Stewart Thomson, will hold 30 minute sessions, by appointment, every Monday afternoons, free of charge and with no obligation, from between 12pm and 2pm. The purpose is to provide advice on options, answer questions about mediation including how it fits in with the legal process, how long are sessions and costs.
This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.
For further information or to make an appointment to speak with Stewart please call 01245 228106
