New Mediation Protocol

3rd Mar 2011

From 6th April 2011, anyone setting out to contest the terms of their separation in Court will first be required to consider mediation. The Government have introduced a new protocol and, it is likely that the parties will have to attend a mediation session where both parties find out what the process can offer before they decide it is right for them.

Anyone initiating the case will first need to go to a Professional Mediator who will arrange a mediation awareness session either for the couple together or individually. Evidence of this will have to be available before an application will be accepted by the Court. If the Mediator or either party feel that mediation is not suitable the case can continue towards Court. The only circumstances where there will not have to be evidence of mediation prior to commencing proceedings will be in serious circumstances where there are allegations of domestic violence or child protection.

Contact Andrea Hewitson on 0191 221 0898 for further information.