Supporting National Family Dispute Resolution Week
Next week – 25 to 29 November 2013 – is National Family Dispute Resolution Week, which is designed to make the public aware of the alternatives to court for separation and divorce. This is run by Resolution, a national body of family lawyers who promote the use of alternative dispute resolution and the practice of amicable family law proceedings.
As supporters and members of Resolution, we believe that it is important to ensure that anyone who is dealing with the end of a relationship, or with a dispute regarding their children, should be aware of what Resolution actually stands for.
What is Resolution.
Resolution is an association of 6,500 family lawyers and professionals committed to taking conflict out of family disputes. Their members abide by a code of practice which encourages solicitors to help their clients reach solutions based on the needs of the whole family, and particularly the best interests of children.
Why is it important ?
Resolution carried out a survey in the North- West to reveal attitudes to separation and divorce.
- 79% say that putting children’s interests first would be their most or second most important consideration in a divorce.
- 56% would prioritise making the divorce as conflict-free as possible.
- 79% believe that children end up being the main casualties of divorce
- 44% believe that conflict is inevitable in separation and divorce.
- 47% think that most divorces involve a visit to court.
- Only 1% felt that being financially better off than their partner would be the most important consideration should they divorce.
These survey results come at an important time for family law in England and Wales. The most recent statistics show a rise in divorce rates; and the family courts are facing the strain.
The historic view of separation and divorce being a battle fought by solicitors on behalf of their clients and resulting in a court hearing is clearly not something that the majority of people would wish to experience. Resolution accredited solicitors work wherever possible towards reaching a practical solution that both parties are able to accept without the need to engage in lengthy and expensive court battles.
Where can you find out more ?
As part of the National Family Dispute Resolution Week, Resolution is launching a new advice guide, ’Separating Together: Your options for separation and divorce’, designed to help separating couples understand and explore non-court based methods of resolving issues arising on the breakdown of a relationship.
If you need help and advice in this area, contact Noelle Heath at Morrish Solicitors, who is a member of Resolution on 033 3344 9600 or visit our family mediation area on our website.
More information on these alternatives, including mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration, is available on the Resolution website.
