Free mediation to divert individuals and businesses from civil court system
A major reform to the civil justice system seeks to save people the cost, time and stress of lengthy courtroom disputes.
You can read the full UK Government press release through the gov.uk website https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-reveals-plans-to-divert-thousands-of-civil-legal-disputes-away-from-court
Mediation can often prove a more economical, quicker and empowering way to resolve disputes, including civil cases.
Under these plans, civil claims under £10,000 would be diverted automatically to mediation. The aim would be to prevent stressful waits and expensive court costs and free up vital court capacity to deal with more complex cases quicker.
Individuals or businesses will not be able to opt out of the mediation on the basis that they refuse to take part. However, the case for exemptions in certain cases will be considered.
The government expect a staggering 272,000 more people every year could be helped by using civil mediation to resolve disputes outside the courts.
It will see mediation made compulsory for small claims of up to £10,000. This can include disputes over goods and services. People would be referred automatically to a free hour-long telephone session with a professional mediator provided by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) before their case can be progressed to a hearing.