Government insists on 'mediate, not litigate'

The government today issued a plea to couples on the brink of a
divorce to consider mediation, as the best dispute resolution solution.

Mediation could reduce acrimony and save money. Divorcing couples will be referred to mediation to sort out most disputes before they are allowed to use the courts, the government is announcing. Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly said this was the "peak time to consider divorce or separation". But he urged couples to avoid costly and acrimonious court action.
He continued by saying  "By turning to mediation instead of the courts people can take charge of their own futures"

Records show a spike in steps to divorce after the Christmas break. Searches on DirectGov for "divorce process" were up 71 per cent this month on early December. Mediation involves couples making arrangements that suit both sides with the help of a qualified mediator, rather than putting lawyers and a judge in charge of deciding issues.

There are certainly advantages in utilising mediation in terms of the time taken, the cost and the emotional impact on the two parties. These are very strong reasons to consider mediation as an alternative to court proceedings.Exactly the same principles apply for workplace mediation. The Government has increased spending on mediation services up to £25 million a year, after certifying that mediation is able to offer a much better solution.

Mediation is the only option that offers the two parties an opportunity to find common ground and focuses on what is the real impact on people and how they can find mutual workable solutions.

"Mediation is a quicker, cheaper and more amicable alternative as it gives both parties  
the skills to think about their best interest for the future."

Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly