New Government figures show that over 60% of parents are now without a lawyer when they are going to Court to contest arrangements for their children. The Government had hoped these families would find their way into mediation but they have not.
The figures show that parents are not going to Court or mediation. The Law Society has raised concerns that this leads to children being denied contact with their parents which seriously undermines the context of shared parenting which has been introduced by the Government this year. Shared parenting means that the Government expects both parents to be involved in their child’s upbringing unless it can be established that it is not in the child’s best interests due to the risk of harm.
There are also significant delays in both financial and children cases going through the Courts.
Recognising that the Court system is problematic at the moment, not only do you need Solicitors to guide you through the Court process but also Dispute Resolution Practitioners to enable couples to deal with children and financial issues in a much speedier way where they retain control.
By Carole Brennan