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Family mediation reviewed

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Summary

This Report, 'Legal Services Commission: Legal Aid and Mediation for People Involved in Family Breakdown' (HC 396), examines the shortcomings of the current system for referring clients to mediation in situations of family breakdown.

Family disputes that are resolved through mediation are cheaper, quicker and, according to academic research, less acrimonious than those settled through the courts.

Despite these advantages, only 20% of people who are funded by legal aid for family breakdown cases - excluding those involving domestic violence - currently opt for mediation.

Following on from an earlier National Audit Office report on this topic, 'Legal Aid and Mediation for People Involved in Family Breakdown' (HC 256), here the Committee examines the actions the Legal Services Commission has set in motion to:

  • Increase referrals to and take-up of mediation services
  • Improve the quality of mediation offered
  • Strengthen the Commission's oversight of solicitors and mediation providers.

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Law-Making Explained

This is a House of Commons Paper (HC 396 2006-07): it is a Report from the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts.

Find out more about House of Commons Papers.

How does it affect me?

If you work in or are interested in family law, this affects you.

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See more on family mediation on the Legal Services Commission website.

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