Separating couples could face fines for refusing mediation in England and Wales under new proposals
Separating parents in England and Wales could face fines for refusing to try mediation under new proposals.
But the Law Society said the plan could put victims of undetected coercive control in a vulnerable position. Mediation, where couples can agree the practicalities of a split in the presence of an independent specialist, is already available as an option, but there is no requirement to engage with it prior to going to court.
But the Law Society, which represents solicitors in England and Wales, has warned the policy "risks sending people to mediation who should not be there". Mr Miller called on the government to reintroduce aid for early legal advice - which was cut from private family cases in 2012. That would make it easier for people to see a solicitor before any mediation in order to provide an extra safeguarding measure, he said.
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