Mediation is the way forward… In early 2011, the Government published its consultation paper ‘Solving disputes in the county courts: creating a simpler, quicker and more proportionate system’ with a view to introducing a major overhaul to the current civil justice system in England and Wales.  One of the ideals to this new reform was to envisage a system where “disputes are resolved in the most appropriate forum, with processes and costs being commensurate with the complexity of the issues involved.”  Therefore, in the paper the Government suggested one way of meeting this goal by creating a requirement for all cases below the small claims limit to be automatically referred to mediation, before being considered for a hearing.

Separation or Divorce? What Each Means for Your Finances - Setting aside any personal or family issues that come to mind for many when they think of divorce, ending a marriage has major financial implications. That’s why for some, a legal separation may seem like the better route to take.