Family law expert optimistic over early legal advice pilot plans

February 14, 2024

A Cheshire-based family law solicitor is encouraged by the government’s decision to launch a pilot of early legal advice for separating couples.

On the final day of Family Mediation Week – 26 January – plans to make mediation compulsory for parents in England and Wales were shelved.

A “lack of clear information and guidance” was cited as the reason to revisit the proposals, with “an ambitious package of reforms that will put conflict resolution, and children’s welfare, first at every stage of a separation” set to be trialled.

The government plans to launch the pilot in specific regions in England and Wales by summer 2024.

Danny Hudson, partner and a member of the family department at Watsons Solicitors, said: “Even when an agreement is reached in mediation, it will only be approved if it is deemed ‘fair and reasonable’ for financial matters or ‘in the best interest of the child’ in children’s matters, which is something expert guidance will ensure.

“The government proposals are encouraging, but there is an obvious need for a coordinated approach, which starts at the top and includes everyone involved in the family justice system.”

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said: “Our goal is to collaborate closely with stakeholders in the legal and advice sectors to design a pilot that effectively assists participating families in resolving their disputes and enables us to collect crucial evidence on the role of legal advice in dispute resolution.”

Speaking on the government website, lord chancellor and justice secretary Alex Chalk added: “Our measures will help parents to reach an agreement either by themselves, with the support of professionals, such as mediators or lawyers, or through a family court service dedicated to reducing conflict.”

One focus of the pilot will be mediation, with more than 24,000 families accessing the voucher scheme as of December 2023 to try and resolve issues without resorting to court.

The initiative, launched by the MoJ, provides a contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of arbitration for eligible cases.

Danny added: “Minimising conflict is always in the best interests of everyone, especially when children are involved, so these reforms will change the system in a positive way.

“It will help avoid unwanted heartache in the form of a drawn-out separation, whilst freeing up courts to focus on those most in need of protection.”

To speak to someone at Watsons Solicitors about all aspects of family law, please contact enquiries@watsonssolicitors.com or call 01925 571212.

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors holds various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.

Contact Us

If you are interested or require any information on any of our services then please get in touch for an appointment on:

 01925 571 212
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm

Latest News

Warrington law firm partner warns against misleading asset protection schemes

A Cheshire-based private client solicitor is calling for public awareness and tougher regulation against misleading asset protection schemes that cost consumers thousands but offer nothing but false promises. Families across the UK are paying up to £5,000 for asset protection trusts, which are often disguised as asset preservation trusts, family protection trusts, and flexible trusts. […]

Watsons Solicitors is marking International Day of Older People with free advice

Watsons Solicitors is offering free expert advice and guidance at a community event to mark International Day of Older People on October 1. Organised by LifeTime, a leisure and social network for people 50-plus, run by Warrington Housing Association, A Celebration of Ageing Well is being held at The Gateway, a conference centre in the heart […]

Warrington lawyers pound the streets for charity once again

The Watsons Solicitors family was out in full force as a quintet of legal experts joined the masses in competing at the Warrington Running Festival. Five employees from the law firm, which sponsored the event for a third consecutive year, joined thousands of people in racing across a variety of distances as the sun shone. […]

Foundation’s powerful campaign backed by Cheshire law firm

Watsons Solicitors is helping unite people using the power of memories by backing Warrington Wolves Community Foundation’s In The Sheds initiative. Based in the heart of the town, the law firm has jumped at the chance to lend its support to 10 sessions at care homes aimed at assisting lonely or isolated individuals build social […]

Watsons Solicitors

Watsons Solicitors is a trading name of Watsons Solicitors Warrington LLP a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales registered number OC386012 whose registered office is 13 Bold Street, Warrington, WA1 1DJ.

Watsons Solicitors Warrington LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority number 598547.

Website managed by Outwrite PR, an online reputation management agency
envelope-oclock-ophonefax linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram