‘Mediation Information and Awareness’ – What Is It?

This month there has been a lot in the news about the new Family Proceedings Rules which introduced on 6 April 2011 a need for couples to attend afamily mediation Mediation Information and Awareness Session before taking matters relating to divorce or dispute about finance and/or children to court.

But what does this mean in practice for a couple thinking about instructing lawyers about their separation, divorce or dispute?

  • The rules requiring attendance at a MIA session only arise if a matter is to be taken to court. Many matters never have to go to court as with sensible legal advice many cases are resolved without the need to issue formal court proceedings.
  • If during the course of the matter it is felt appropriate that the matter is taken to court then some clients will be required to attend an MIA session which will last approximately 1 to 2 hours.
  • If there is a need to attend the MIA session in certain circumstances clients will not have to attend together.
  • The objective of the MIA session is for the client to consider whether there is a possibility of proceeding with the matter by way of mediation rather than going to court.
  • Once a client has attended the MIA session the client makes an informed choice in consultation with their own lawyer as to which route to take and the matter will proceed accordingly.

As specialists in the legal aspects and rules on separation and divorce, JARVIS Family Law are able to guide clients through the new rules and ensure that the route taken is the right decision for your circumstances.

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