The Government has recently given further details on a new law being introduced to help separating parents and couples avoid stressful court battles.
The proposed measure is part of the Children and Families Bill which is currently progressing through Parliament. The family justice provisions in the Bill completed Report stage in the House of Lords in December. The remaining stages of the Bill are expected to be completed in early 2014.
The provisions will mean that someone who wants to apply for a court order about a children or financial matter must first attend a mediation information and assessment meeting. Exemptions from this requirement will apply, such as where there is evidence of domestic violence.
The announcement comes in the week of the year when lawyers say more people start to seek a divorce than any other.
The first working day in January is known as ”Divorce Day” because of the surge of enquiries lawyers receive after the Christmas break.
Government figures show that searches for ‘divorce’ on GOV.UK are 55% higher in early January than in early December (456 searches in first week of January 2013 compared to 294 in first week of December 2012).
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