Cuts in legal aid for divorce cases has resulted in a big increase in demand for specialist family mediation services at Bath and Wiltshire law firm Stone King.
Its family law and mediation team in Melksham has received a 25% rise in inquiries from separating couples seeking to resolve their differences without going to court.
Public funding for most divorce cases – including those involving disputes about children and finances – ended in April but legal aid remains available for family mediation.
Stone King is one of only a few law firms that offer publicly-funded mediation services for couples who divorce.
Rebecca Eels from Stone King’s family law and mediation team said: “We have been inundated by former partners seeking to resolve their differences amicably and avoid the trauma of court.
“The fact that access to legal aid for mediation still exists means that many couples who might otherwise have been denied help are able to sort out their problems in a non-confrontational way.
“But it’s not just married couples and cohabitees who are benefiting. We have also seen an increase in the number of grandparents using mediation to resolve problems over contact with their grandchildren.
“Mediation is usually far cheaper and quicker than fighting your battles in court, and often offers longer lasting solutions for all the family.”
