What New Government Proposals Mean for Unmarried Couples in Kent

If you are living with your partner but aren’t married or in a civil partnership, you might be surprised by how little legal protection you actually have if things go wrong.

There is a widespread myth in the UK about the “common law marriage”—the belief that if you live together for a few years, or have children together, you automatically share the same legal rights as a married couple.

In reality, under current English law, common law marriage does not exist. If an unmarried couple separates, one partner can easily end up walking away with almost everything, leaving the other economically vulnerable—especially if they took time out of work to raise children.

However, the tide is finally turning. The government has just launched a landmark consultation titled ‘A fairer end to relationships’. This could completely reshape the future for cohabiting couples across Kent and the rest of the UK.

Here is what you need to know about these proposed changes and how they might affect you.

What is Changing?

The government’s new “Family Test” consultation is explicitly designed to look at how policies impact families of all types, with a sharp focus on protecting children. The Ministry of Justice is currently seeking views on major reforms across three specific areas:

1. New Protections for Cohabitants on Separation

This is the big one for unmarried couples. The government wants to introduce a brand-new statutory framework of rights and protections specifically for eligible cohabitants who split up.

The goal is to protect the “economically vulnerable” partner—for instance, a parent whose earning capacity was reduced because they stayed home to care for the kids. While these rights will still remain narrower and distinct from a full divorce, they will provide a much needed safety net.

2. Fairer Inheritance Rights if a Partner Passes Away

Currently, if your unmarried partner dies without a will, you do not automatically inherit their estate, no matter how long you lived together.

The new proposals aim to strengthen inheritance provisions for cohabitants, creating clearer, more automatic routes to financial support while still balancing the rights of other family beneficiaries.

3. Clearer Rules for Divorce and Nuptial Agreements

For those who are married, the current law regarding financial settlements on divorce can be incredibly unpredictable and inconsistent. The government hopes to codify (write into strict law) certain elements to make outcomes easier to predict. This includes creating clearer rules around pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, helping couples negotiate fair settlements out of court.

The ultimate aim of these reforms is to support couples in negotiating fair settlements themselves, reducing bitter disputes and keeping families out of the stressful, expensive court system.

Why This Matters to You Right Now

If you are currently going through a separation or thinking about your future as an unmarried couple in Kent, these proposals highlight just how complicated the legal landscape is right now.

Until these proposals become law, unmarried couples separating today must still navigate the old, rigid system. Property disputes are handled under strict, complex trust laws rather than family law, which means fairness isn’t always the priority.

This is exactly why family mediation is so vital. You do not have to wait for the law to change to get a fair deal.

Through mediation, you and your ex-partner can sit down with a neutral professional to work out a bespoke arrangement that genuinely protects both of you and your children. It allows you to create your own “fairer deal” based on your family’s actual needs, rather than relying on outdated legal loopholes.

Have Your Say,  The Consultation is Open

This is a genuine opportunity to shape the future of family law in the UK. The consultation is open to every member of the public—whether you are a legal professional, a separating parent, or simply living with your partner.

• Read the full document: You can review the proposal details on the Gov.uk Consultation Page.

• Submit your views: You can complete the official online survey directly at the Ministry of Justice Consultation Portal.

The consultation closes on 14th August 2026. Don’t miss the chance to share your perspective on making relationship endings fairer for everyone.

Need help with your separation?

If you are an unmarried couple separating in Kent and want to achieve a fair, amicable agreement without the stress and cost of court, we can help.

Contact Kent Family Mediation Service today at https://kentfms.co.uk/make-a-referral/make-a-mediation-referral/ or phone us on  01795 410457 to book a separate mediation information meeting or MIAM.

When a relationship breaks down, the noise of separation can be overwhelming. As parents, you are trying to deal with massive life changes, untangle finances, and figure out the best path forward. Amidst the stress, it is easy to worry about how your children are truly coping.

You want to protect them from adult conflict, but you also want to ensure their feelings aren’t lost in the shuffle. That is where Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) comes in.

At Kent Family Mediation Service, we offer CIM as a gentle, structured way to bring your child’s voice into the decision-making process, without forcing them to choose sides.

What Exactly is Child Inclusive Mediation?

Child Inclusive Mediation is a specialised process where a professionally trained, DBS-checked mediator invites children (usually aged 10 or older, depending on maturity) to have a private, confidential discussion.

It is often called a “listening meeting.” It is absolutely not about asking children to make tough choices or take on parental responsibilities. Instead, it provides a safe, neutral space outside of the home for them to express their thoughts, worries, and hopes about the future.

CIM is entirely voluntary. It only happens if both parents agree, and—most importantly, if the child wants to participate.

Most importantly, it is confidential, we only report back what the child wants us to say, unless of course there are safeguarding concerns.

What Do Children Worry About?

While parents are often focused on the big picture, like properties or legal structures, children frequently worry about the day-to-day details of their changing world.

During these sessions, children often raise questions that parents hadn’t even thought of:

• “Will I still be able to go to my football club on Saturdays?”
• “Where will the family dog live?”
• “How often will I get to see my grandparents?”
• “Will I have to move schools and leave my friends?”

Hearing these specific worries allows parents to build a practical parenting plan that addresses what actually matters to the children.

How the Process Works

We take immense care when involving young people in mediation.

Here is the typical journey:

• First, you and your ex-partner meet with the mediator to discuss whether CIM is appropriate for your family’s circumstances.
• If agreed, the child is invited to a confidential meeting.
• The mediator meets with the child. This meeting is completely confidential. The child decides exactly what they are comfortable sharing with you.
• The mediator meets back up with the parents to share the child’s agreed points.

The Benefits:

Research consistently shows that children benefit immensely from being consulted. It reassures them that their feelings matter and that they are being taken seriously.

For parents, hearing this feedback can be a powerful turning point. It often cuts through the adversarial tension and realigns both parents around a shared goal: the happiness and stability of their children.

Many families find that once they understand their child’s true perspective, reaching an amicable, lasting agreement becomes much easier, saving months of stressful, expensive court battles.

Funding Support Available

We believe family mediation should be accessible. If you are exploring child arrangements, you may be eligible for the Ministry of Justice £500 Mediation Voucher Scheme, which can help cover the costs of your sessions.

For those on lower incomes, Legal Aid funding may also be available.

If you are separating and want to ensure your children’s voices are safely heard, get in touch with our team at Kent Family Mediation Service today to discuss how we can support your family.

If you would like to find out if you qualify for Legal Aid, or if you want to learn more about how Child Inclusive Mediation can support your family, please reach out to us today.

Start the process and make a referral through our website at https://kentfms.co.uk/make-a-referral/make-a-mediation-referral/ or phone us on  01795 410457 to book a separate  mediation information meeting or MIAM.

Families going through a separation or divorce often face an overwhelming amount of stress, particularly when trying to figure out what the future looks like for their children.

It is completely natural to want to shield your children from the details of the breakup. However, research consistently shows that children cope much better with family changes when they feel their voices are heard.

This is where Child Inclusive Mediation can make a profound difference.

What is Child Inclusive Mediation?

Child Inclusive Mediation is a specialist process where a specially trained mediator that is accredited through the Family Mediation Council, talks directly with your child, giving them a private and safe space to share their thoughts, feelings, and wishes about the future.

It is important to understand that this is not about asking your child to choose between parents or make adult decisions. Instead, it offers them a chance to express what is important to them, such as how they feel about school, weekends, or staying in touch with extended family.

How Does the Process Work?

The process only happens if both parents agree, and if the child wants to participate. No child is ever forced to take part.

The mediator meets with the child individually. This conversation is completely confidential, meaning the mediator will not share anything the child says unless the child explicitly gives permission. Afterwards, the mediator meets back up with the parents to feed back the child’s wishes, helping the adults to make co-parenting decisions with their child’s perspective clearly in mind.

Accessing the Service in Kent

Finances should never be a barrier to doing what is best for your family. At Kent Family Mediation, we offer Legally Aided funded mediation services to those who qualify.

If you are eligible for Legal Aid, the entire mediation process, including the individual sessions with your child, could be completely free of charge.

Even if only one parent qualifies for legal aid, the cost of the initial assessment and the first joint mediation session is covered for both parties.

In addition, if you are in mediation and not eligible, discussing children, we can apply for a voucher of £500 to go towards the cost of your mediation, which means that you can have three free sessions.

By choosing this path, you can reduce conflict, avoid the high costs of family court, and ensure your children remain at the very heart of every decision you make.

If you live in Kent and would like to find out if you qualify for Legal Aid, or if you want to learn more about how Child Inclusive Mediation can support your family, please reach out to our team today.

Start the process and make a referral through our website at https://kentfms.co.uk/make-a-referral/make-a-mediation-referral/ or phone us on  01795 410457 to book a separate mediation information meeting or MIAM.

If a disagreement over summer holidays or child arrangements bubbles over, rushing to court isn’t a quick fix.

Don’t let a breakdown in communication ruin your family’s summer. If you are struggling to agree on holiday schedules, travel permissions, or general child arrangements, we can help you sort it out calmly and constructively.

Our accredited mediators operate online across Maidstone, Canterbury, Ashford, Sittingbourne and all across Kent, helping you build a fair agreement without the stress or delay of court.

Start the process and make a referral through our website at:

https://kentfms.co.uk/make-a-referral/make-a-mediation-referral/

or phone us on  01795 410457 and book a separate mediation information meeting or MIAM.

Read our top co-parenting tips for hot weather and learn how our mediators at Kent Family Mediation Service can help you resolve holiday disputes quickly.

When a heatwave hits, everyone heads outdoors to enjoy the sunshine. But for separated parents, hot weather, school holidays, and sudden changes in routine can quickly cause friction.

Whether it is arguing over who gets the kids on the sunniest weekend, packing the right supplies for a beach trip to Margate, or managing last-minute schedule changes, summer can test even the best co-parenting relationships.

At Kent Family Mediation Service, we know that keeping things cool between parents is the best way to ensure the kids enjoy their summer. Here are four practical tips for smooth co-parenting when the temperature rises.

1. Be Flexible

When the weather is beautiful, you might want to take the children for a spontaneous evening barbecue or a trip to the Kent coast. If it falls on your ex-partner’s day, don’t just demand a change.

Approach them with an offer to swap time. For example: “Since it’s set to be 28°C on Wednesday, could I take the kids to the beach after school, and you take them for an extra evening next week?” Healthy communication keeps the focus entirely on making fun memories for the children.

2. Share the Summer Essentials

There is nothing worse than picking up your children for a weekend heatwave only to find they have no sunhats, loose clothing, or preferred sun cream.

• Create a summer checklist: Ensure basic sun safety gear travels between houses.

• Double up on the basics: If communication is difficult, buy a duplicate set of sun cream and water bottles so you aren’t reliant on what comes in the packing bag.

3. Agree on the “Big Stuff” Early

Hot weather usually means water activities—paddling pools, trips to the local leisure centre, or swimming in the sea. If you have safety concerns or rules about what your children are allowed to do, talk to your co-parent beforehand. Agreeing on basic boundaries (like supervision rules around water) prevents anxiety and arguments later.

Start the process of mediation and make a referral through our website at https://kentfms.co.uk/make-a-referral/make-a-mediation-referral/ or phone us on  01795 410457 to book a separate mediation information meeting or MIAM.

For a lot of dads, it’s a day of breakfast in bed, homemade cards with far too much glitter, or a game of football with the kids; but for you, it might just be the quietest day of the year.

If you aren’t seeing your children this Sunday, you already know how heavy that silence feels. There won’t be any messy hugs or unwrapping a pair of novelty socks. Instead, there is just an empty space where they should be, and a knot in your stomach that is hard to shift.

When you’re going through a separation, calendar dates like this become minefields. It is incredibly easy to spiral into anger, resentment, or a deep sense of unfairness. You look at social media, see everyone else’s picture-perfect family photos, and feel a sting of isolation.

But sitting in that bitterness won’t change the calendar, and it won’t help your kids.

Changing How You Look at the Day

If you are dreading this weekend, try to give yourself some grace and keep a few things in mind:

• The date is just a number: Father’s Day is a commercial event. Your relationship with your kids is built on the other 364 days of the year. You do not need a specific Sunday in June to be their dad.

• Keep them out of the middle: Kids pick up on tension. If they feel guilty for not seeing you, or if they hear conflict between you and their mum, they are the ones who suffer. Protecting them from the adult stress is the biggest gift you can give them this weekend.

• Create a ‘Substitute Father’s Day’: If you can’t see them on the day, plan your own celebration the next time you have them. Double the pancakes, choose a film to watch together, and make it your own special tradition. They won’t care about the date on the calendar; they will just care that they are with you.

Finding a Way Forward

The hardest part of all this is communication. When things break down with an ex-partner, talking directly can feel impossible. Every text message can turn into an argument, and the only people losing out are the children.

If this Sunday is painful, use it as a turning point to think about how you want the future to look. You don’t have to keep repeating the same arguments.

That is where mediation comes in.

Mediation isn’t a legal battleground, and it isn’t about scoring points. Working with a mediator at Kent Family Mediation Service gives you and your ex a neutral space to actually talk about the practicalities—like how you handle holidays, birthdays, and days like this weekend.

It won’t solve everything overnight, and it won’t change the reality of this coming Sunday. But it can start to take the conflict out of the equation, helping you both focus on co-parenting.

So, if you’re waking up to a quiet house this Sunday, take a breath. Go for a walk, see family, or just give yourself a break. Being a great dad isn’t about winning a specific date on the calendar; it’s about doing the hard, quiet work to ensure your children grow up knowing they are loved by both of you.

If you are struggling with contact arrangements or communication after a split, you don’t have to sort it out alone.

Get in touch with us at Kent Family Mediation Service and book a separate MIAM to find out how professional, impartial support can help you put your children first.

If you are eligible for Legal Aid your mediation will be free. We can also apply for a non-means tested voucher of £500 for you if you aren’t eligible.

Parenting a teenager or tween is hard work at the best of times. But the government’s plan to block under-16s from apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat by next spring has left a lot of us wondering how on earth we’re going to manage the fallout at home.

It’s going to be a massive shake-up for families all over Kent.

If you’re currently separating or divorcing, this new law adds a whole extra layer of stress. When your kids are splitting their time between two different houses, making sure everyone sticks to the same digital rules requires some serious teamwork. Without a plan, a law that’s meant to protect your kids can easily turn into a massive new argument between you and your ex.

That is where family mediation can make life a lot easier. It gives you a calm, neutral space to sit down and figure out a joint game plan, so your kids get the same message whether they’re at Mum’s or Dad’s.

Why the New Rules Mean You Need to Be on the Same Page

When kids move back and forth between two homes, they really need consistency. With the new restrictions coming in, the main social media apps will be off the table, but the actual day-to-day policing is still going to fall on us as parents.

Imagine if one house strictly locks down all the devices while the other house lets things slide or looks the other way when the kids use VPNs to get around the blocks. It’s a recipe for disaster. The kids will quickly figure out which house is the “fun” one, which breeds resentment and leaves everyone feeling frustrated.

Using mediation lets you get ahead of the problem. Instead of waiting for a row to kick off, you can use a session to chat through the practical stuff and agree on some house rules that work for both of you.

Things to chat about in mediation:

• What happens to screen time? Once the apps are gone, what are they doing instead? Agreeing on general screen limits and bedtime curfews keeps things fair.

• What about gaming? The ban isn’t just about Instagram; it’s also tightening up rules on gaming platforms like Roblox or Discord where strangers can chat. You’ll want to agree on what safety settings to turn on.

• Managing the tech: The new laws will mean using digital IDs or age checks to get online. Working out who handles the tech setups and passwords stops mix-ups down the line.

What If You Just Can’t Agree?

It is completely normal if you and your ex see things totally differently right now, maybe one of you thinks the ban is a great safety move, while the other feels it’s an unnecessary restriction on your teenager’s social life. If you are struggling to find a middle ground, don’t panic or give up. A mediator’s job isn’t to force one of you to give in; it’s about helping you look past the disagreement and focus on a compromise that keeps things fair for the kids. Even if you can’t agree on every tiny detail, we can help you work out a baseline level of safety and consistency that you are both comfortable with, stopping the tech debate from blowing up into a full-blown family conflict.

Teamwork Makes It Easier

Getting a teenager to log off is tough even when parents are living together. When you’ve split up, having that conversation can feel completely overwhelming.

Mediation takes the pressure off. A trained, independent mediator isn’t there to judge you or take sides. They just help you look forward and focus on what’s best for the kids, helping you put together a sensible co-parenting agreement that actually works in real life.

When your kids see that you’re both backing each other up on the big stuff, it makes them feel much more secure. It shows them that even though things have changed, you’re still a team when it comes to looking after them.

Chat to Kent Family Mediation Service

The digital world changes fast and keeping up with it means adapting as you go. If you’re separating and find yourself constantly bickering over phones, tech, or house rules, going to court won’t help—a judge isn’t going to come round and sort out your Wi-Fi settings. Mediation gives you the control to find your own answers.

At Kent Family Mediation Service, we help local parents find common ground without the stress and expense of a legal battle. Booking an initial MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a brilliant, low-stress way to see how we can help you get things sorted.

Want to get a shared plan in place? Drop our friendly Kent team a line today to book a chat and see how we can support you

If you are living with your partner in Kent but are not legally married or in a civil partnership, you are part of one of the fastest-growing household types in the UK. However, you are also likely relying on a legal safety net that does not actually exist.

For decades, family lawyers and mediators have campaigned to close the dangerous legal gap that leaves unmarried couples vulnerable when a relationship ends. Now, change is finally on the horizon.

On 5 June 2026, the government officially launched a landmark, 10-week consultation titled “A Fairer End to Relationships”. These proposals look to introduce some of the most significant shake-ups to UK family law in a generation, specifically aimed at giving unmarried couples modern legal protections.

Here is what the historic 2026 cohabitation news means for you, the truth about current laws, and how family mediation can help you navigate these changes right now in Kent.

The “Common Law Marriage” Myth vs. Current Reality

One of the most persistent legal misconceptions in England and Wales is the concept of “common law marriage”. Many people believe that if you live together for a certain number of years, or if you have children together, you automatically gain the same legal rights as a married couple.

This is a complete myth. Under current UK law, no matter if you have lived together for three years or thirty:

• No Automatic Property Rights: If the family home is in your partner’s sole name, you have no automatic right to a share of its value or a right to stay there if you separate, even if you contributed to household bills.

• No Spousal Maintenance: You cannot claim financial maintenance for yourself to help cover living costs after a breakup—only child maintenance if you share children.

• Zero Pension Claims: You have no right to a share of your partner’s pension.

• No Automatic Inheritance: If your partner passes away without making a valid will, you do not automatically inherit anything, potentially leaving you facing severe financial hardship or the loss of your home.

Currently, resolving property disputes for unmarried couples requires navigating a highly complex, expensive, and stressful framework under trust and property law (known as TOLATA claims). It looks entirely at legal ownership and paperwork, completely ignoring what is “fair” or what a family actually needs.

What are the Proposed 2026 Cohabitation Reforms?

The government’s new consultation aims to bring family law into the modern day, offering a distinct safety net for unmarried families while protecting the most vulnerable, such as financially dependent partners and survivors of economic or domestic abuse.

Under the new proposals, a statutory framework would apply to couples who are in a committed relationship and:

1. Have lived together for at least three years, OR

1. Live together and share a child (with no minimum time framework required).

Key Proposed Protections Include:

• Financial Claims on Separation: Courts would have the power to look at financial needs rather than just whose name is on the deeds. This could include property adjustment orders, such as adjusting home shares or ordering a house sale to secure a stable future for the primary caregiver.

• Children First: Just like in a divorce, the welfare and housing needs of any children would become the court’s paramount consideration.

• Automatic Inheritance Rights: Qualifying partners would gain the automatic right to inherit under intestacy rules if their partner dies without a will.

• The Right to Opt-Out: Couples who prefer to keep their finances entirely separate would be allowed to opt out of this framework via a formal agreement.

Why Waiting for the Law to Change Is a Risk

While these headlines are incredibly welcome, nothing has changed yet.

The public consultation closes on 14 August 2026. After that, the government must review responses, draft legislation, and debate it in Parliament. It could take several years for these proposals to become actual law, and there is no guarantee that the final changes will apply retroactively to relationships that end before then. Waiting for Parliament to act leaves your family exposed right now. Fortunately, you do not have to wait. You can create your own legal certainty today.

How Family Mediation Helps Unmarried Couples in Kent

If you are currently living together and want to protect your future, or if you are an unmarried couple currently navigating a separation in Kent, family mediation is often the most supportive, cost-effective route available.

You do not need to wait for new laws to decide what is fair.

Through mediation, you and your partner can sit down with an independent professional to create a document that sets out exactly how you will manage finances now, who pays the mortgage, how assets would be divided if you split up, and how you intend to protect each other. It gives you complete autonomy over your future. You can then take this to your lawyer to review and make legally binding.

Separating Fairly and Peacefully

If you are currently separating, reaching an agreement through court litigation can cost thousands of pounds in legal fees—money that should be used to support your children or set up your new homes.

Mediation allows you to discuss property division, living arrangements, and child support in a private, constructive environment. Under the Family Procedure Rules, separating couples are required to actively consider non-court dispute resolution options before trying to go to a family court.

Government Financial Support for Your Mediation Costs

Understanding that financial worries can be a major barrier during a separation, there are two key government-backed funding schemes available to help cover your mediation costs in Kent.

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme (Up to £500)

In May 2026, the Ministry of Justice officially confirmed the extension of the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme into 2027, backed by an additional £7 million in funding.

If you are separating and have a dispute that involves arrangements for your children (such as where they will live, child contact schedules, or holiday arrangements), you may be eligible for a non-means-tested voucher worth up to £500 towards your joint mediation sessions.

• No Income Check Required: Unlike legal aid, the voucher scheme is not based on your income or savings.

• High Success Rate: Ministry of Justice data shows that over two-thirds of families who use these vouchers successfully reach a full or partial agreement outside of court.

• No Admin For You: As an accredited mediation service, we handle the application and claim the £500 directly from the government on your behalf.

Legal Aid for Family Mediation

All of our mediators are accredited with https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/

Alongside the voucher scheme, our service provides Legal Aid for family mediation. If you meet the financial eligibility criteria, your mediation could be entirely free of charge. Even if only one partner qualifies for Legal Aid, the funding covers the initial assessment (MIAM) and the first joint mediation session for both of you.

Can you use both? Yes. If you qualify for Legal Aid, your costs are covered. If you do not qualify for Legal Aid but are discussing child arrangements, the £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can step in to drastically reduce or entirely cover your joint session fees.

Take Control of Your Legal Protection

The 2026 cohabitation news is a massive step forward, but your family’s security matters today. Whether you want to put a proactive cohabitation agreement in place or you need a calm, funded space to sort out a separation, mediation keeps you in control.

Contact our Kent family mediation service today to speak with a mediator, book your initial assessment, or find out how to claim your £500 government mediation voucher.

Mediation vs. Court: A Reality Check

Two Ways the Government Pays for Your Mediation

You don’t need deep pockets to avoid the court backlog. The state actively funds family mediation through two main pots:

1. Legal Aid (100% Free)

If you receive low-income benefits—like Universal Credit—or have a lower income, you will likely qualify for Legal Aid.

• It covers your initial private meeting (MIAM) and all joint mediation sessions.
• It includes free legal advice from a solicitor to formalize your agreement.
• Unlike court-based Legal Aid, mediation funding never has to be paid back.

Bonus: If you qualify for Legal Aid but your ex-partner doesn’t, the government still pays for your ex’s initial meeting and their first joint mediation session.

2. The £500 Family Mediation Voucher

Don’t qualify for Legal Aid? If you are trying to sort out arrangements for your children, you can access the government’s £500 Voucher Scheme. We apply for this on your behalf, and it directly slashes the cost of your joint sessions.

How to Skip the Court Backlog

We run our sessions securely online across Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, and the wider Kent area, meaning you don’t even have to be in the same room as your ex.

1. Book Your MIAM

Attend a private, one-on-one Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to discuss your situation.

2. We Check Your Funding

We assess your eligibility for Legal Aid or the £500 Child Arrangement Voucher.

3. Fix the Issue

You and your ex-partner work with an accredited mediator to build a practical, binding plan for your children and finances.

Don’t waste a year of your life and thousands of pounds waiting for a court date. Contact Kent Family Mediation Service today to find out how quickly and cheaply you can move forward.

Contact us to check if you qualify for free Legal Aid or the £500 voucher

The latest figures reveal a family justice system under immense pressure. Across the region, a shortage of judges and an increase in self-represented “litigants in person” mean that simple disputes over child holiday rotas or asset divisions are taking months to even get a first hearing.

The longer a dispute drags on in court, the higher the emotional and financial cost. Children are left caught in the middle of parental conflict while waiting for a judge to make decisions that parents are usually better equipped to make themselves.

Family mediation sidesteps this queue completely. Instead of waiting nearly a year for a court date, most couples who choose mediation can resolve their child and financial arrangements within 2 to 4 sessions.

Judges Are Punishing Those Who Refuse to Mediate

The courts are actively pushing back against unnecessary litigation. Under strict rules governing family procedures, judges now have the power to stop court proceedings (known as “adjourning” a case) if they feel a couple hasn’t properly considered Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR), like mediation.

If one party unreasonably refuses to attend mediation and insists on going to court, the judge can order them to pay the other party’s legal costs. Going to court out of spite or refusing to negotiate is now a very expensive mistake.

At Kent Family Mediation Service, we can help you bypass the court drama, even better? The government will likely pay for it if you are eligible for Legal Aid or the £500 government mediation voucher.