Recent figures have highlighted that there was a decrease in the number of family mediations in October last year, compared to the same period in 2012.
The latest Ministry of Justice figures, which have been published following a Freedom of Information request, have revealed that during October 2012 the number of family mediation cases started, was 1281. However, in October last year, the number of such cases started fell to 707.
The fall experienced in October is the second highest year-on-year monthly fall since changes to public funding were introduced in April last year.
According to the latest figures, the total number of mediation cases between April and October last year also decreased, by roughly 35 percent, compared to the same period in 2012.
Prior to the latest figures being published, the recently appointed Family Justice Minister stressed the importance of mediation within the divorce process; whilst following the decline in couples considering mediation, the government announced earlier this month that major changes to the divorce process are set to be introduced.
Under the changes, which are expected to come into force from April, anyone seeking a court order to resolve a dispute over children, finances or splitting properties, will be required to attend a “mediation information assessment meeting.”
The changes are being introduced in an attempt to divert some of the 120,000 divorcing couples in England and Wales away from the courts.