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More and more couples are utilising mediation before formally filing for divorce, according to National Family Mediation. The dispute resolution specialists have seen the number of people calling their dedicated telephone helpline double over the past 12 months. The firm received an average of 1,600 calls each month from January to July 2014 whereas this more than doubled to 3,600 throughout the same period this year. National Family Mediation’s CEO Jane Robey believes that changes to legal aid are behind this trend. Prior to April 2013, individuals in receipt of low incomes were entitled to free legal help when divorcing a spouse under the aforementioned legal aid scheme. In an attempt to reduce the cost of this scheme, however, the government declared that individuals that are in receipt of a low income and are seeking a divorce are only eligible for free legal support if they have been the victims of domestic violence. As a result of this, Robey posits, couples are seeking alternative means of resolving contentious matters – such as the division of matrimonial assets or childcare arrangements – through alternative, more economical means. Noting that the organisation had initially observed no increase in enquiries following the removal of legal aid, Robey added that solicitors would previously refer disputing couples to mediators and that, as many individuals were no longer receiving legal advice, people were simply unaware of mediation and that it could be used to help reach amicable settlements with their spouses. Robey therefore contests that, whilst it is the removal of legal aid that is behind this surge in enquiries, the effect was initially delayed due to a lack of public awareness concerning mediation and its benefits, but that this has changed as a result of people seeking cheaper alternatives to solicitors. National Family Mediation operate from over 500 locations and are the largest provider of family mediation services in England and Wales. Click here to find your nearest office.