Mediation won't delay vital action says Taylor&Emmet

Sheffield’s Taylor&Emmet LLP is reassuring divorcing couples that urgent legal measures will still be accessible, despite the introduction of new mediation rules on April 6.

Family law specialist, Michaela Heathcote, said: “The introduction of compulsory mediation will not delay essential action, particularly when a child’s welfare is at stake.”  

From April 6, all separating couples will be required to attend a mediation awareness session, to help resolve any issues before resorting to court. This change in the law will bring private clients in line with the legal aid system, which already expects applicants to attend a mediation meeting before they can claim assistance with certain types of disputes.

Michaela added: “Intervention from the legal system is a last resort in any family dispute and where possible, we always prefer to resolve issues by negotiation, collaboration or mediation. It is important, however, that couples are aware this forthcoming change in the law will not hinder the progress of applications to court when they are necessary to secure the welfare of a child or protection from abuse or violence.

“We are in favour of any legislation that promotes amicable divorce settlements, as they save time and money and are far less traumatic for the client. Taylor&Emmet is heavily committed to the legal aid process and we have seen how a compulsory introduction to mediation can work in practice. But ultimately, we have our clients’ best interests at heart and we will take any urgent action we feel appropriate.”

All of the fee earners in Taylor&Emmet’s family department are committed to the principles of Resolution – a government-endorsed scheme promoting non-confrontational legal advice – and Michaela Heathcote is one of South Yorkshire’s first fully qualified collaborative lawyers. Collaborative law is an alternative method of resolving separations through a series of face-to-face meetings, rather than court intervention.