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      FJG Solicitors in Essex, Colchester, Chelmsford, London – Fisher Jones Greenwood
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      Mediation – A solution to the withdrawal of Family Legal Aid

      28 March 2013 by Marketing Team

      FJG Marketing

      Following radical changes to Legal Aid on the 1st April, Legal Aid funding will no longer be available in many areas of family law in cases such as divorce, children & finances. The exception to this is where there are child protection issues or the applicant or a child is the victim of domestic abuse.

      So what are the alternatives after the 1st April if you are on a low income but there is no domestic abuse?

      Mediation is a proven and successful alternative and because of this, Legal Aid continues to be available to help separating couples resolve children and financial issues through mediation.

      Kate Taylor is an experienced family mediator and solicitor with FJG Family Law Partnership and gives an outline of how the mediation process works:

      “At the initial meeting I will meet you and your partner separately to find out the issues you wish to mediate upon, for example financial, property, childcare or child contact, and discuss the various options available to you to reach a mutually acceptable solution. As a general rule this first meeting will be free. I will also assess whether you and/or your partner are eligible for Legal Aid.

      Thereafter, should mediation be a suitable option, the sessions take place with all parties together. As a mediator I am neutral and will not take sides. I work with both parties to facilitate discussions to help you reach agreement. If an agreement is reached in mediation, I will prepare a summary of that agreement.

      Not only will Legal Aid still be available for mediation (subject to eligibility), Legal Aid will also be available for someone who is going through mediation to obtain legal advice from a solicitor who has a Legal Aid contract.The solicitor can then prepare a court order or deed of separation to ensure that an agreement is enforceable.

      Even where one or both parties are not financially eligible for legal aid, mediation can be faster and less expensive than pursuing matters through solicitor’s correspondence or through the courts.

      Mediation sessions provide a structured environment in which couples can discuss issues relating to finances or arrangements for children.

      Mediation has also been proved to be less ‘combative’ than the court process. As a result mediation can enable couples to restore direct communication and have an on-going dialogue for the benefit of themselves and their children.”

      Kate Taylor is a qualified Solicitor who trained as a Mediator with the Family Mediators Association (FMA) in 1991. She is a Professional Practice Consultant and is accredited to provide supervision to other Mediators. Kate is also accredited to mediate directly with children and is a Board Member of the FMA and a member of the UK College of Family Mediators. Kate is authorised by the Legal Aid Agency to provide Legally Aided mediation.

      FJG Family Law Partnership offers mediation from our six offices based in Colchester, Chelmsford, Billericay, Clacton and Fleet Street in Central London.

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      Fisher Jones Greenwood is the trading name of Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP, a Limited Liability Partnership authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and registered in England ( Number: OC305854 ). A list of members is available for inspection at the registered office at Charter Court, Newcomen Way, Colchester Business Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 9YA

      We are open for business and working remotely

      Here at Fisher Jones Greenwood Solicitors we would like to reassure all our existing and future clients that even in these uncertain and difficult times we are able to assist you with your current and future legal requirements.

      Like so many others, we are constantly monitoring and acting on Government advice and guidelines and as such our offices are temporarily closed to the public. You may, if you wish, visit our offices to post any correspondence and documents through letter boxes.

      As a result of our commitment to innovation and technology, we can and are maintaining a full service, albeit remotely, with all appointments being held digitally or via the telephone. Our case management system enables us to have full access to your electronic file from any location and we have a core team of staff processing all incoming post directly onto your file so that your legal adviser can continue to work with you. We are pleased to say that we do not currently anticipate any disruption to your matter.

      Please do not hesitate to contact your legal adviser by email or by telephone should you have any worries or concerns. Alternatively, please call our main switchboard number (01206 835300) and a message to return your call will be by relayed to the relevant person.

      Finally, everyone at FJG would like to wish you, your families and your colleagues well throughout this current crisis.

      Best wishes
      Paula Cameron
      Managing Partner