The Family Procedure Rules (‘FPR’) were updated on 29th April 2024. The updates are hoped to strengthen mediation information assessment meetings (‘MIAMs’).
A major aim behind the new changes is to increase the uptake of individuals attending MIAMs.
The Law Society have stated that principle changes include:
- The independent mediator conducting the MIAM explains and considers all non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) forms, rather than just mediation. This includes arbitration, evaluation by a third party and collaborative law
- The procedure relating to MIAMs starting earlier in the application process
- The court having a duty to encourage parties to consider suitable forms of NCDR at all stages of proceedings, particularly between hearings. The courts have the discretion to adjourn hearings to allow for this
- Some of the exemptions to MIAMs being limited or removed
- Parties are now required to file a new form, called FM5, seven days before the first hearing to set out their views on NCDR
It is hoped that the new updates will support more parties to settle cases outside of court without incurring the expense of court proceedings.
For more information, please visit the Law Society page using the link below:
The contents of this post do not constitute legal advice and are provided for general information purposes only.
Associated photo designed by Freepik.
The contents of this post do not constitute legal advice and are provided for general information purposes only ■
