Leading London law firm Lloyd Platt & Co is addressing the growing demand for mediation services across the UK, driven by a recent change in Court procedure the Court can exercise its power to order couples to attend non Court dispute resolution (NCDR) also referred to as alternative dispute resolution. Couples are now encouraged to prioritize conflict resolution as a first port of call. The shift is being embraced by clients seeking to save time and money, as well as those interested in a more collaborative and holistic approach to divorce.
Separating couples or anyone contemplating a court application in the Family Court are now required to engage in mediation or another form NCDR, and the figures look positive, with mediation showing an encouraging 70% success rate.
Established for over 33 years Lloyd Platt & Co has continuously promoted mediation to support clients though all the issues which arise when a relationship ends as a cost-saving and empowering approach. The provision of mediation is a further invaluable step in enabling swift and cost-effective results, with many clients finding resolution in as little as 3-6 X 90-minute mediation sessions scheduled at their convenience, as opposed to the worst-case scenario of over a year in court.
Mediation can also offer a less stressful, more supported environment to foster successful negotiations, with the options of including a therapist or other relevant specialists tailored to the needs of the individuals.
Mediation is not only valuable in divorce proceedings but can also be a useful tool for individuals entering relationships. It provides a fair and impartial way for couples to navigate important decisions, such as drafting prenuptial or cohabitation agreements, ensuring both parties are heard and their interests respected, and setting the tone for the future.
Lloyd Platt & Company’s Anya Gold combines her mediation skills with her 14-year experience as a matrimonial divorce solicitor. She is joined by Rachel Roberts, who will undertake sole and joint mediation. Rachel has been a resident solicitor with the firm since 2019 and has over 20 years’ of experience. She is also a qualified collaborative lawyer.
Mediation available:
Sole Mediation: participants sit together with the mediator
Shuttle Mediation: participants sit separately with mediators travelling between participants.
Remote Mediation: one or both participants attend mediation by video
Co Mediation: participants sit together with two mediators (will be available from mid-March 2025).