Courts will require people to use mediation when legal aid for the majority of family law cases ends on April 1.
Cuts contained in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 mean anyone wanting to use the services of a solicitor in family disputes will have to fund themselves, except where there is clear evidence of domestic violence or child abuse or if the case concerns matters relating to child abduction or forced marriage.
However, legal aid will be retained for family mediation after April 2013, and the courts will require couples to try mediation as a first option. Mediators help people sort out their own arrangements about children and property and finances, without the need for court battles or solicitors.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article