LETCHERS Solicitors in Ringwood is offering legally-aided mediation.

Last year nearly two-thirds of couples who attended a single mediation session for a child dispute reached a full agreement.

And almost seven out of every ten couples who opted for mediation reached an agreement. This is why the Ministry of Justice has announced that, from November 3, someone who is not financially eligible for Legal Aid will in future be able to get funding for a mediation session as well as the Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), if the other party is eligible for Legal Aid.

Michael Stocken, senior partner at Letchers Family Mediation Service, is a firm believer in mediation, to assist couples in resolving disputes between them as an alternative to the court process.

He said that, in cases where couples have been unable to resolve disputes between themselves concerning their children and/or finances and have been faced with the unpalatable prospect of having to pay substantial legal costs following the loss of Legal Aid in the majority of family disputes in 2013, it can cause huge problems.

He added: “I consider that a proactive step has now been taken to assist couples to resolve their family disputes without the confrontation of the court process. They will now be able to work together to resolve their differences, particularly where they wish to make plans for their children in the future.

“I believe that the change that has been made by the Ministry of Justice which now recognises the “Catch 22” situation many couples find themselves in of being unable to afford legal costs, being unable to obtain Legal Aid and being daunted by the prospect of having to act in person in the court process.

“Mediation is a process in which they can both engage and have control over the eventual outcome.”