Legal professionals got together at Exeter County Court during Dispute Resolution Week to highlight the fact that legal aid is still widely available for family mediation.
Family mediation allows families to resolve disputes after separation in a cost effective way.
Judge David Tyzack QC told mediators from a variety of firms across Devon: "The judiciary are very much in favour of families resolving their own arrangements and we encourage all families to consider mediation before setting off on court proceedings.
"Legal aid is still available for mediation and for legal advice in support of mediation.
"We are lucky to have such a broad range of family mediation services in Exeter. Exeter has long been one of the leading centres for mediation in the UK and we would urge families to make greater use of our mediators."
The gathering of mediators was Exeter's contribution to Dispute Resolution Week, which was organised on a national level by members of the Family Mediation Council including Resolution and the Family Mediators Association. Events took place all over the country to remind families of the value of family mediation and the fact that legal aid is widely available for family mediation.
In the true spirit of mediation, 10 family mediation services joined together to host the event at Exeter County Court. The event was attended by many local solicitors and other professionals who assist after family breakdown.
Guests of honour were Exeter's resident family judge, David Tyzack QC, and district judges Arnold and Waterworth.
The participating mediation services were: Accord Mediation; Compass Resolution; Devon and Exeter Mediation Practice; Devon Family Solutions; The Family Law Company by Hartnell Chanot; Gilbert Stephens Mediation; Ian Walker Family Law and Mediation Solicitors; Magdalen Chambers; South West Mediation; and WBW Mediation.
Several of these organisations have contracts with the Legal Aid Agency and a number take part in the mediator's rota run at Exeter County Court, aimed at assisting parents in avoiding expensive and drawn out court cases.
