Just 51 per cent of people would consider alternatives to court if they were divorcing, a new poll suggests.
Family law organisation Resolution commissioned a survey of 4,000 adults across the UK.
Less than a quarter (23 per cent) said they thought alternatives to court such as mediation “make the terms of the separation and clear to both parties”. Only 24 per cent, meanwhile, thought non-court approaches to divorce proceedings “protect the rights of both parties”.
Opinion was evenly divided on the extent to which alternatives to court protected the wellbeing of divorcing couples and their children. Only 52 per cent said court alternatives are “are better for the wellbeing of couples” and just 50 per cent said they were better for the wellbeing of children.”
Liz Edwards, Chair of Resolution, said:
“Today’s findings uncover a worrying lack of awareness about the options available to couples who are going through break-ups. There is at best a patchy understanding about non-court based solutions that often prove less stressful and less expensive than a lengthy courtroom battle. There is also ill-founded scepticism about the legality of non-court solutions – a myth that we need to urgently bust.”
She added:
“This is understandable to a certain extent. People don’t think about these issues or where to go for advice until they are faced with the prospect of break-up. But everyone – Government, the profession and individuals – has to do their bit to ensure the right information is out there and people going through a break-up are aware of their options.”
