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<p>We continue to support mediation as a more effective way of resolving disputes.
Mediation allows both parties to reach a decision together, instead of the court making
an order which one party – or neither party – may not want</p><p>Where private family
cases come to court, if there is a dispute over arrangements for children, the Child
Arrangements Programme will apply.</p><p><a title="http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/family-justice-reform/pd-12b-cap.pdf"
href="http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/family-justice-reform/pd-12b-cap.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/family-justice-reform/pd-12b-cap.pdf</a></p><p>This
sets out the framework for resolving disputes and is clear that during the court process
the judge should consider all options available including referring parties to mediation
where this is suitable.</p><p>The family judiciary has received training on the Child
Arrangements Programme and they are aware of their powers to refer parties to family
mediation during court proceedings. How and when judges use these powers is a matter
for their discretion based on the facts of an individual case and the suitability
for the dispute to be resolved through mediation.</p><p>We will continue to work with
the judiciary and the mediation sector to raise awareness of the benefits of mediation
so that it remains an option to resolve disputes even where cases have come to court.</p>
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