Family Mediation increase continues despite the pandemic

Family justice and the courts continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with courts and other parts of the justice system running a reduced service. However, there is positive news for mediation as a viable, accessible and helpful alternative for many.

• Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting volumes were 14% higher than in the same quarter of 2019.

• Mediation starts were 11% higher and outcomes were 16% higher.

Family mediation involves an independent, impartial professionally accredited mediator discussing problems with a divorcing or separating couple in an attempt to reach agreement without using the family court system. The latter can be suitable and indeed essential in some cases, but can also be costly, lengthy, stressful and subject to delays.

It is not necessary to get a resolution to all family disputes, separations or child arrangements by going to court. Mediation, hybrid mediation, shuttle mediation or collaborative law can provide bespoke help.

A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAMs) is an initial meeting between one or both parties and a mediator to see if family mediation could be used to resolve the issue. MIAMs increased by 14% in the last quarter compared to the previous year. Family mediation starts increased by 11% and total outcomes increased by 16%, of which 62% were successful agreements.

You can see the full statistics at the Ministry of Justice website, accessible through this link.