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National Family Mediation Service Prepared for Changes
National Family Mediation Service Prepared for Changes
"Read all about it! Government changes to legal aid funding means 200,000+ cases must pay their own legal fees."
Birmingham,
Fort Parkway,
United Kingdom
(sardnews.org)
27/02/2013
"Read all about it! Government changes to legal aid funding means 200,000+ cases must pay their own legal fees."
In April 2013, the Government are introducing new legal aid rules that stop funding to all but the most serious cases. This means, for those contesting a divorce or separation through the court, they will pay their own legal fees. Solicitors charge between £150 to £200 an hour, it does not take a genius to work-out how expensive it can become.
However, it is not all doom and gloom, since April 2011 it has been compulsory for disputing couples to attend a minimum of one mediation session. The new rules allow for details, of divorce or separation, to be settled through a third party mediation service; this saves valuable court time and expensive solicitors fees. The National Family Mediation Service (NFMS) is an established mediation company working closely with solicitors; they have a wealth of experience in the field of family disputes.
The introduction of family mediation was to save tax payers money and try to stop the spread of 'the claim culture'. Anyone finding they are in this unpleasant situation, will now benefit from the new rules, using family mediation as an alternative to solicitors; and without the prospect of an excessive legal bill.
Mediation the new resolution to family proceedings
Mediators work closely with solicitors to resolve matters in a fair and effective way; with the best interests of everyone being the focus. They spend time with both parties negotiating the details, without using expensive solicitors. Once they arrive at a satisfactory conclusion for all parties, the agreement is presented to the court.
Unfortunately, mediation is not free. The fee is calculated before the process starts, and, although it is not an exact art it provides a good indication of the overall cost. Those costs are divided equally between the parties. The negotiations take place away from the drama of the court, so they are less stressful. Another benefit of mediation is neither solicitors nor legal representatives need to be present at the sessions; keeping the cost down further.
The National Family Mediation Service has a network of offices across the country so there will be no difficulty finding one. For more information and a list of offices, visit the website http://www.nationalfamilymediationservice.co.uk.
National Family Mediation Service has offices across the UK and specialises in Family Mediation matters and is accredited by the Family Mediation Service. Call on 0800 862 0502.
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About nationalfamilymediationservice.co.uk
The National Family Mediation Service has a network of offices across the country so there will be no difficulty finding one. For more information and a list of offices, visit the website http://www.nationalfamilymediationservice.co.uk.
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