A member of one of the area's largest Family Law Teams has qualified as a Solicitor Mediator to help separating couples comply with new legislation that kicked in on April 1st 2013, requiring them to be assessed for the suitability of Mediation to resolve their issues instead of going through the court system.
Nathan Wright, a Partner in the Wrexham head office of leading North Wales and Shropshire law firm GHP Legal, says he welcomes the new ruling on Mediation as it is a more cost-effective solution for separating couples than going through the courts, despite having recently raised concerns about other aspects of the new legislation with Wrexham MP Ian Lucas.
Under the new legislation Public Funding is no longer available to help couples sort out associated issues, unless they can prove they are the victim of domestic violence, and courts will not hear their case unless a Mediation suitability assessment has first been carried out.
"Reaching agreement without going to Court can save clients money," says Mr Wright. "It is also less confrontational, faster and can be more discreet. Whilst Mediation is ultimately for those couples who genuinely wish to reach agreement themselves with the assistance of an impartial, skilled Family Mediator, all couples must go through the assessment process.
"The new legislation about separation and divorce procedures can be confusing, so to help people GHP Legal has produced a booklet explaining the changes and different options. A copy can be obtained by calling 01978 291456 or visiting www.ghplegal.co.uk"
