Couples told to 'mediate, not litigate'

The government today issued a plea to couples on the brink of a new year divorce to consider mediation.

Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly said this was the "peak time to consider divorce or separation".
But he urged couples to avoid costly and acrimonious court action.

"By turning to mediation instead of the courts people can take charge of their own futures," he said.

"Mediation is a quicker, cheaper and more amicable alternative, particularly where children are concerned as it gives parents the skills to think about the best interests of the child for the future."

Records show a spike in steps to divorce after the Christmas break. Searches on DirectGov for "divorce process" were up 71 per cent this month on early December.

Jane Robey, chief executive of National Family Mediation, said: "Our research shows more people decide to end their relationship after the New Year than any other time. Often the stress of being together over Christmas and dreading the new year proves the final straw."

Mediation involves couples making arrangements that suit both sides with the help of a qualified mediator, rather than putting lawyers and a judge in charge of deciding issues.

New rules mean that anyone setting out to contest the terms of their separation in court will first be required to consider mediation.

The Government has increased spending on mediation services to £25 million a year.