The Office for National Statistics has published divorce statistics for last year. There was a 9% increase in divorces granted in England and Wales compared with 2020. However, this could reflect catch-up from the pandemic) Women were more likely to petition in opposite-sex couples than men. (63 per cent versus Read more…
Family law cases are taking longer to resolve than during the Covid restrictions. The government says mediation is the solution, but removing legal aid for most private law family cases means many couples are not even aware it exists. Legal aid cuts have also increased the number of couples without Read more…
Couples going through a divorce may soon have to use mediation rather than take their case to court. Under new plans—currently being drawn up by the government—they will also be ordered to pay their partners’ costs if they turn down a reasonable settlement. The decision on mandatory divorce mediation is Read more…
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed it will continue to fund the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme until 1 April 2022. The FMC hopes to confirm the length of the extension soon, but in the meantime, they can confirm that funding is available for vouchers requested so far and that mediators Read more…