Wilson Nesbitt - Solicitors

Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly has called on parents arguing over child custody to try independent mediation as a first option before just going straight to court to resolve a dispute. He said too many cases are brought before judges, and feels that problems involving child contact and "intimate personal relationships" should not be going before the court.

He also questioned whether the taxpayer should have to pay for parents inability to speak to each other in non-violent cases. In England and Wales there were 45,000 child custody cases last year, running up a total cost £143million to the legal aid system.

Mr Djanogly blamed a lack of knowledge within the courts system and among lawyers about the benefits of mediation for the overloading of the courts with child custody cases. Cafcass, the organisation that provides advice in court cases involving children in England, have also urged for other methods to be explored by disputing parents before going to court. In particular they want to see more judge orders for parents to attend a Parenting Information Programme (PIP), which is designed for estranged parents to learn how to make discussions more amicable and to focus on the best interests of the child.

If you live in Northern Ireland and require legal advice on a matter of child custody, access or maintenance, or in respect of a divorce, contact Wilson Nesbitt solicitors by emailing family@wilson-nesbitt.com or by calling 0800 840 9292 .