ADR & Mediation

Articles

The government's mediation plans haven't been thought out

In its haste to channel disputes through mediation and control the process centrally the government is killing off successful local schemes and jeopardising its own objective, says Jeremy Ferguson

New family arbitration scheme is no alternative to litigation

The sound rationale behind the new family dispute arbitration scheme doesn't mean it is a credible alternative to either mediation or litigation, says Miles Geffin

Swift response

The government's proposals to speed up and reduce the costs of county court litigation involve an overhaul of claims limits and a renewed push towards mediation. The small claims limit would rise from £5,000 to £10,000, and, with the exception of personal injury, the limit for county court claims would rise from £25,000 to £100,000. Lawyers – both claimant and defendant – are unconvinced, albeit for different reasons. We ask both sides for their reactions

In the driving seat

Chris Makin reveals how creative mediation worked wonders in several motor car cases

Route masters

Couples going through separation or divorce must make difficult decisions at a stressful time. Therese Nichols explores the options available and how you can help find the best route for them

Battle lines

Mediation can be powerful tool in rebuilding relationships that have broken down over boundary disputes, says Chris Makin

Pub landlady can use foreign decoder to broadcast football games

The European Court of Justice ruled this morning that a pub landlady from Portsmouth can use a Greek satellite decoder card to show locals live Premier League matches. Karen Murphy had cancelled the pub's BSkyB subscription to save money.

Motor insurance bill targets 'grubby industry'

Lawyers unconvinced by rationale behind proposal