South East-based law firm Moore Barlow has announced the qualification of Victoria Walker as a mediator in the family team, as the firm reports a 300 per cent increase in family mediation cases over the last decade.
With more than 20 years of family law experience, Victoria joined Moore Barlow as a partner in 2018 and, alongside the 15-strong family team, has continued to support those facing divorce and separation.
Over the last 10 years, Moore Barlow has seen a surge in demand for mediation work from separating couples as an alternative method to seek arrangements for children and finances without the need to engage the courts.
Victoria qualified as a professional mediator in December 2021 and will work together with existing mediator Karen Barham to support clients both regionally and across the country, offering sessions remotely or face to face.
To mark the appointment and as part of Family Mediation Week, Moore Barlow is offering a free initial assessment session for separating couples seeking a cost-effective and collaborative approach to post-marital arrangements until the end of January.
Victoria said: “It’s no secret that using a non-court dispute resolution method like mediation is an effective way for both separating couples to agree to a way forward rather than have a judge decide for them.
“A relationship breakdown is inevitably stressful, but there are ways to ease the strain and eliminate the anxiety of going to court. As mediators, we are not there to tell each side what to do but can help them find a practical way forward – particularly when it comes to children and financial issues.
“We’ve seen a significant rise in cases where separating couples have requested mediation as an efficient way of resolving disagreement. It can be less stressful and far quicker than going to court, particularly at a time when the backlog of cases awaiting to be heard has been significantly impacted by covid-19.”
For more information regarding the free initial assessment session visit the Moore Barlow Family Mediation page or get in touch with Victoria Walker directly.
