DIVORCING and separating couples in Devon can save ten and a half months of their lives by choosing to settle their differences using family mediation rather than heading for a court room battle, says a leading family charity based in Exeter.

“Most people agree that when a couple is going through separation heartache, it’s best for everyone to get things settled as quickly as possible,” says Jane Robey of National Family Mediation, the largest provider of family mediation in England and Wales.

“Too many of these couples don’t realise they have a choice. You can head off to a family court for an acrimonious court room drama, or instead choose to talk with a professional family mediator who will help you agree on the vital things that need to be sorted for the future.

“Family mediation is a much, much quicker process, meaning you can move on to the next phase of your lives much sooner. Statistics show a 325 day saving by choosing mediation rather than court – that’s ten and a half months extra to get on with your new life rather than remaining in a state of stressed-out limbo.”

Most families leave it to a court to decide, following a separation, who will live where; what happens to the money, the debts and the pensions and crucially what arrangements will be put in place for the children.

“But it’s families themselves who are best placed to decide these things, and professional mediators are highly skilled third party negotiators, with experience in helping families create long-term solutions that work well for their particular circumstances,” Jane Robey added.

“National Audit Office figures on legally-aided mediation shows the average time for a mediated case to be completed is 110 days, compared to 435 days for court cases on similar issues.

“Mediation is usually more cost-effective than going to court too, with data showing the average cost per client is £535 compared to £2,823 for cases going to court.”

Legal aid remains available for family mediation for those who are eligible.