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Press release: Family Mediators Welcome Government Voucher Scheme

Date: 26 March 2021

The government has today announced that it is investing £1m in family mediation, to support families to resolve issues relating to children. Under the scheme, the Ministry of Justice will provide contributions of up to £500 per family, to resolve issues relating to children following parental separation. Mediation will be provided by Family Mediation Council Accredited (FMCA) mediators and the fund will reduce the costs of mediation for at least 2000 families.

John Taylor, Chair of the Family Mediation Council said 'This government investment in mediation is much welcomed by the Family Mediation Council. It will help separated families agree solutions that are best for their children, taking into account what is going to be important for them as they grow up. Family mediation is a proven cost-effective way to resolve differences following separation. This voucher scheme will make it even more accessible, and will help families resolve issues for themselves, without having to go to court.'

Family mediation is a process in which an independent, professionally trained mediator helps parents work out arrangements for children and finances following separation. Mediation can also be helpful when previous child arrangements need to change, particularly as children grow up.

Local family mediator PRAMILA MEGHANI FMCA, from STRAW & PEARCE said THIS IS AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTIES TO SEEK ASSISTANCE OF A MEDIATOR TO FIND SOLUTION TO DISPUTES AROUND CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN

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Further information about the scheme, aimed at families who may benefit, will be published here from 10 am on Friday 26 March 2021: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/family-mediation-voucher-scheme

The Family Mediation Council is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to promote the use of family mediation for the benefit of the public. It does not offer mediation itself. Family Mediation Council Accredited mediators meet rigorous professional standards. Find our more:  https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/

For more information about anything contained in this press release or family mediation in general, please contact Pramila Meghani at Straw & Pearce on 01509 268931 or pmeghani@strawandpearce.co.uk

We are delighted to sponsor the Houghton Rangers Under 10 football team by providing much needed kit.

We like winners at Straw and Pearce.  Go kids!

As from the 1 December 2020 , we will no longer be utilising the DX service.  Please could you kindly amend your records and send your correspondence either via Royal Mail or by email.  Individual email address can be found on our website www.strawandpearce.co.uk/site/people

We are pleased to unveil our new bespoke video conferencing suites, in both Loughborough and Leicester,  to enable us to service our clients’ needs seamlessly with the best new technology available.  It is available for client meetings, court hearings, expert conferences.  Simply ask to use the suite when you book your appointment

FIXED FEE EMPLOYMENT ADVICE
 
We have an experienced and efficient civil team, which includes Matthew Hewitt  who has offered fixed fee employment law advice to people in Loughborough, both employers and employees,  for the past five years. We now offer video link or telephone consultations. Our fees are £150 plus VAT for up to a one hour consultation.
 
We are now in a climate where we face daily changes to our working lives. The Government and ACAS have published Guidance for managing Covid 19 in the workplace. The Guidance addresses direct issues including sick pay and self-isolation.
 
Further to the Guidance, employers and employees also face challenges involving employment contracts, unpaid leave, lay-offs, redundancies, discrimination and whistleblowing.
 
If you have any questions regarding your rights, we are here to help.
 
To book an appointment  please email mbennett@strawandpearce.co.uk or telephone 01509 268 931.
 
Links to the Government and ACAS Guidance are below:-
covid-19-guidance-for-employees
acas.org.uk/coronavirus
 

We are delighted to announce the appointment of two new partners to our management team this year. 
 

Debbie Hubbard is an experienced criminal solicitor who has been with the firm for 10 years and who will assist in the management of the criminal team, together with Mark Wardley.  She is a knowledgeable and  capable advocate who is respected by the Courts and clients alike.  

Sarah Greaves specialises in family law, particularly public law, and has been based at our Leicester Office for the past 12 months, and  has been with the firm for 5 years since she joined us as a newly qualified solicitor  in 2014

New office premises and services in LEICESTER

20 Millstone Lane

Leicester

LE1 5JN

Tel: 0116 2161605

Email: info@strawandpearce.co.uk

As part of continued expansion we are pleased to announce that we are now offering a full range of services from our Leicester office including:

·         Family

·         Mediation, private family disputes including divorce, finance  and children matters;

·         Child protection matters

·         Abduction/international relocation

Contact:  Lynn Yates, who will link you with the most appropriate fee earner to meet your needs. Call: 0116 2161605

·         Property

·         Sale, purchase, lease, including personal and  business / commercial property transfers and acquisitions

Contact PETER BAKER pbaker@strawandpearce.co.uk 01509 632087

·         Civil disputes

·         Personal injury

·         Contract disputes

·         Employment disputes

Contact Kay Hewitt khewitt@strawandpearce.co.uk 01509 632085

In addition we can offer the full range of the other services that we currently provide at our Loughborough office, by separate appointment – including Wills and Probate and  criminal defence.

CALL    Leicester       0116 2161605          

Office open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.