NEWLY introduced measures to try to cut the cost and time of getting a divorce will not work for everyone, according to a woman who has been estranged from her husband for 13 years.

This month has seen new guidelines introduced by the Government, which mean every couple wanting to end their marriage has to see a family mediator.

It’s the mediator’s job to help people try to resolve disputes about children, property or finance. It is designed to help reduce the time some divorce cases can take in England and Wales.

Family mediation services across south Essex see this move as the best option. They claim it will help couples to resolve disputes rather than battle them out in court, which can cost more than £2,000, compared to £500 using a mediator.

However, Wendy Saunders, 59, from Laindon, does not agree.

She has been divorced twice, and has been estranged from her current husband for more than 13 years.

She said: “The new guidelines have put me right off trying to get a divorce now, because, I would be forced to go through mediation.

“We just did not get on with each other, which is the reason why we separated.

“Mediation would be too much for me emotionally, especially if the past had to be brought up.

“Why can’t we, as individuals, have the right to make our decisions and get divorced without being forced to go to a mediator?

“The service may be cheaper and could reduce the divorce proceedings time limit, but this still does not give us the option to take full control over our own private matters.”

According to figures from the National Audit Office, a legally-aided mediation divorce case takes on average 110 days, compared to 435 days for similar court cases with no mediator involved.

Currently, couples have the option to ask a solicitor to represent them in court if they want to file for a divorce, and bypass a mediation service.

However, it is compulsory for couples to use a mediation service if their divorce proceedings are publicly funded by legal aid.

Ben Gilchrist, a family mediator for Brentwood and Billericay Family Mediation, has worked at the organisation for five years, and also attends family courts.

He said: “Getting divorced can be emotionally damaging for both parties, and costly, so mediation does help cut the cost and time.

“I believe couples should be given an alternative rather then battling out their differences in court.

“It is really important for couples to see a mediator, because it helps them to communicate better.

“In a lot of cases, couples who do not use a mediator can’t reach an agreement about their financial arrangements, or even over who should have the children.

“This often ends up with these issues being dragged up in court.

“It should be up to the couple separating to make the decisions about their own matters, instead of relying on a judge to impose the arrangements.”

However, family lawyers have argued the new guidelines could see a reduction in the amount of cases they receive, and believe cases should be dealt with by a skilled family lawyer.

Patricia Muzalewski, a solicitor and qualified family mediator for Palmers Solicitors, based in Basildon Town Square, said: “A mediator’s role is not to give legal advice, but they can to help draw up proposals about settlements between the couples, to present to their lawyers.

“This can help to avoid the high financial burden."