A Nottingham solicitor has today welcomed the Government's decision to offer free mediation sessions for estranged couples who can not agree on how much time their children will spend with each parent.

Although only a pilot scheme expected to be run in London, Brighton and north east England, Patrick Mullins, a trained mediator and senior partner at Robert Barber Solicitors based in West Bridgford, is confident it will be a success and rolled out nationally.

"I am a trained mediator and a solicitor and have seen for myself the different effects court action and mediation can have on families. Not only is court action costly and lengthy but can cause irreparable damage to relationships.

"Mediation is neutral and helps both parties retain control over the decisions that affect them, which means nothing can be decided unless both parties agree to it. This is in turn avoids bitter court battles and the additional stress and strain that comes with them, which invariably means the children involved suffer."

Although the free mediation scheme is not yet available in Nottingham, Mr Mullins advises that in some cases Legal Aid, or Public Funding as it is now know, may be available to mediation sessions.

For more information about family mediation contact Robert Barber Solicitors on 0115 878 9000 or visit www.robertbarber.co.uk