There is now a very strong indication from the Government that they wish privately paying clients to be assessed for mediation in the same way that legally aided clients have been for a number of years. What this means is that it may soon be compulsory for everyone wishing to issue proceedings for private, children and financial issues to attend a mediation assessment meeting subject to exemptions. This would probably mean that where their matter is deemed by the assessor to be suitable they will be obliged to try mediation before being able to proceed to court.

We cannot give you any further additional information at the moment but please watch this space.