Langleys Solicitors has had a legal aid contract for mediation extended, enabling the law firm to offer publicly funded mediation from its York base in addition to its office in Lincoln.
The move follows the recent qualification by solicitor Laura Sargeant as a Law Society accredited family mediator. Sargeant is a member of the family and child law team in York.
Emma Lawler, a partner in the family law unit at Langleys and a trained mediator, said: “Mediation can be a positive way to resolve issues arising from relationship and family breakdowns and is seen as having several advantages over court proceedings.
“Resolving disputes through mediation is generally quicker and cheaper and enables couples to retain control of the outcome rather than having a decision imposed on them by a court.
“Our legal aid contract further establishes Langleys’ credentials in the field of mediation and enables us to extend our services to those who are financially eligible.”
Couples involved in relationship disputes are required by law to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with a trained family mediator before pursuing any court proceedings.