Family law specialists at Sheffield’s Taylor&Emmet LLP have secured a contract extending their Legal Aid services to local couples looking to separate without court intervention.
The firm’s Legal Aid Agency mediation contract will commence in September, adding to the family law and clinical negligence services it already supplies.
Legally aided mediation will be available at all Taylor&Emmet offices in Sheffield, Dronfield and Bakewell to clients willing to try this alternative means of negotiating financial issues and arrangements for children.
Taylor&Emmet was awarded the contract following a successful tender for mediation work. Referrals can be made directly by clients or via other firms of solicitors.
Family law expert and qualified mediator, Fay Bunting, said: “Whilst Legal Aid has been significantly curtailed for general family matters, the government wishes to promote mediation and therefore, offers funding (subject to eligibility) for those willing to give it try. Indeed, in certain cases, separating couples are required to attend an initial Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before proceeding with a court application.
“Many clients wrongly assume family mediation is aimed at reuniting them, but this is not the case. We are working purely to reach a satisfactory separation agreement that is likely to work long term. As I am a practising family law solicitor and continue to work in the court system, my experience brings a unique perspective to my role as mediator.”
If one person qualifies for Legal Aid, they and their partner will receive the initial MIAM free of charge. If the mediator deems them suitable candidates for the process, in some cases, the first joint session can also be funded for both parties.
