header-logo header-logo

Family law: taking a different turn

12 April 2024 / Caroline Bowden
Issue: 8066 / Categories: Features , Family , Mediation
printer mail-detail
167834
With FPR changes focusing on non-court solutions, Caroline Bowden suggests solicitors send clients to a MIAM, aim to settle and try to keep appropriate clients out of court
  • Sets out key changes and offers practical advice to family lawyers on the FPR changes, due to take effect from 29 April 2024.
  • There may be no new legislation to make mediation compulsory, but the changes are likely to have an impact on the way solicitors work.
  • Lawyers should aim to resolve client issues away from court, where possible.
  • Explains the exemptions to non-court dispute resolution.

Solicitors have a key role in steering their clients through to settlement. For too long, too many do so with a court-based mindset, even while conducting negotiations. However, in future all lawyers will have to pay more attention to the non-court space, as well as the pre-court space. If attempts at settlement via correspondence have broken down, or even if they never started, lawyers will need to think of every conceivable way of avoiding court, if at all possible.

This article will look at the

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

A good book, a glass of chilled Albarino, and being creative for pleasure help Liz McGrath balance the rigours of complex bundles and being Head of Chambers

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Firm welcomes director in its financial services financial regulatory team

New Square Chambers—Alexander Farara

New Square Chambers—Alexander Farara

Chambers welcomes new member

NEWS

Law school partners with charity to give free assistance to litigants in need

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Walkers and runners will take in some of London’s finest views at the 16th annual charity event

Law school partners with charity to give free assistance to litigants in need

back-to-top-scroll