Research published this week suggested that the cost of divorce is at its highest ever and the average divorcing couple now spend between £17,000 and £30,000 on legal fees. However, the Family team at Eaton Smith have seen a different trend.

It is claimed that the rising costs of divorce are a result of couples arguing over financial settlements as well as the lack of access to legal aid which was imposed by the government three years ago. The report also suggested that there has been a rise in the number of people who divorce without legal representation.

Richard Buckley, Senior Solicitor and Mediator in Eaton Smith’s Family Law team commented; “This is not a trend that we have seen at Eaton Smith. We have seen a rise in those taking up Mediation Services as a way to make sure arrangements are as fair and workable as possible for both parties. This can lead to a much smoother and shorter process and ultimately, less costly.”

Mediation is a means by which separating couples can reach an amicable settlement on any issues which are of concern to them, with the minimum of expense and acrimony. The aim is not to prevent couples from splitting up but to help them reach joint decisions instead of relying on the Court to decide for them.

-ENDS-

This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.