Blog Posts

No‑fault divorce was introduced in England and Wales in April 2022, with the promise of making separation kinder, less adversarial and more straightforward. Three years on, many people arriving at Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings ask the same question: “If divorce is no‑fault now, why does this still feel so hard?” This blog looks honestly at what has genuinely improved, what hasn’t, and where support such as mediation fits into the reality of separation today. W

As Sir Andrew McFarlane approaches his retirement on 13 April 2026, his final “View from the President’s Chambers” looks not backwards, but firmly ahead. Rather than a retrospective, this final message from the outgoing President of the Family Division sets the tone for the next chapter of the Family Court: one focused on children, modernisation, and a justice system that serves families more effectively and compassionately. The Child Focused Model: The Future of Private Law

The UK Government has announced a significant reform to the Children Act 1989: the proposed repeal of the statutory presumption of parental involvement. This change marks a pivotal shift in how family courts approach child arrangements, placing child safety and wellbeing above all else. Understanding the Current Presumption Since its introduction via the Children and Families Act 2014, Section 1(2A) of the Children Act 1989 has required courts to presume that a child’s welfar

Understanding MIAM and Its Importance One Year on From Rule Changes. If you’re separating or divorcing in England & Wales, attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is now more crucial than ever. The April 2024 updates to the Family Procedure Rules reinforce a MIAM as the first step in resolving disputes helping families find solutions without costly and stressful court battles. What is a MIAM? A MIAM is an initial separate information and assessment mee

I am thrilled to share the fantastic news that the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme (£500 towards the costs of substantive joint mediation per family where there are child arrangement issues to sort out) has been extended for another year, now running until March 2026. This significant development was confirmed by Lord Ponsonby, the Minister responsible for family justice, during a pre-Family Mediation Week reception hosted by Family Law in Partnership and arranged by the Fami

As we step into 2025, it's essential to be aware of the legal landscape and how it might impact you, especially if you're navigating the complexities of separation or divorce. Here are some key legal considerations to keep in mind as you move forward this year. 1. Cohabitation Reform Cohabiting couples in England and Wales have historically had fewer legal protections compared to married couples or civil partners. However, 2025 might bring about the start of significant chang

1. Strengthened MIAM Requirements April 2024 Update: The Family Procedure Rules were strengthened to enhance the MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) requirements. Purpose: Ensure that all parties are informed about mediation and other non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) options before proceeding with court cases. 2. Role of the Family Mediation Council (FMC) Regulation and Governance: The FMC oversees the standards and practices of family mediators. Authorised

The landscape of family law is undergoing significant transformation with the introduction of the Family Procedure (Amendment No 2) Rules 2023 in the UK. These changes herald a pivotal shift towards non-court dispute resolution (NCDR), aiming to resolve family disputes more efficiently and amicably. This blog post delves into key amendments, underscoring their potential impact on the dynamics of family law proceedings. Emphasis on Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR): Central

The UK government's recent family law reforms aim to prioritise children's wellbeing during parental separation. Plans to enforce compulsory family mediation have been halted due to concerns about safeguarding domestic abuse victims. Instead, a legal advice pilot will expedite child arrangements, addressing barriers to early resolution. The family mediation voucher scheme has aided over 24,600 families, emphasising the government's commitment to resolving issues without co

Proposed family mediation reforms and extension of the government voucher scheme

New MIAMs Standards, Guidance and Assurances

Holistic Family Mediation welcomes new tax laws for separating and divorcing couples

Holistic Family Mediation Welcomes Additional Funding for Voucher Scheme

Has the new 'no fault' divorce law made it too easy for couples to separate?

Government family mediation voucher scheme extended

New no-fault divorce law - Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act (DSSA) 2020 comes into effect on 6 April 2022

Government Voucher Scheme of £500 Per Family For Mediation