“Parental Separation: Children’s Needs and Parents’ Responsibilities”

Lord Falconer’s Announcement (18th January 2005)

Lord Falconer, Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor has recently announced the Government’s plans in response to the consultation study entitled “Parental Separation: Children’s Needs and Parents’ Responsibilities”.

The Government’s plans include more voluntary mediation as a way of helping couples to solve disputes before they reach court, the production of parenting plans, more informal hearings before contested court cases and access to legal, emotional and practical advice for couples facing separation.

We are very pleased that his plans include a prominent role for voluntary mediation as a way of helping couples to solve disputes before they reach court and welcome the recognition of the value of mediation which has been demonstrated by Lord Falconer’s announcement. At Devon Family Mediation Agency, we look forward to continuing to help couples resolve disputes across the whole range of family issues which arise on divorce and separation.