Two-thirds of the public support the new enforced mediation assessments being introduced for divorcing and separating couples tomorrow, according to research published by City firm Charles Russell.

Under the rules, which come into force on 6 April, couples seeking to take private law family cases to court will first have to attend a meeting to consider whether mediation would be an appropriate way to resolve the dispute over their finances or children.

A survey of 2,340 adults, undertaken for Charles Russell by Consumer Intelligence.com, revealed that 65% of people support the change.

Only 16% of those surveyed did not believe that enforced mediation would help couples and parents to sort out their issues, while 18% said they were undecided.

Charles Russell family partner Sarah Anticoni said: ‘Although it’s too early to ascertain what difference tomorrow’s enforcement will make, it is encouraging that the general public recognises that there are alternatives to the divorce courts, whether that’s taking mediation or a collaborative approach.’

‘If this new initiative encourages couples to consider other avenues and appreciate the range of possible outcomes that might occur if the matter is taken to court, then this has to be a positive step,’ she said.

Meanwhile, family lawyers’ group Resolution said it broadly welcomed the new rules, but warned that they contain ‘worrying flaws’ because the government had acted in ‘indecent haste’ to bring them in.

Resolution chair David Allison said: ‘Mediation is a hugely valuable option for some separating couples, so increased awareness of it as a non-court option is good news.

'But the government has rushed headlong into these changes in an unplanned way, which has led to some worrying flaws.’

‘Anyone can set themselves up as a mediator, and the lack of a guarantee of the quality of mediators could leave some couples who lack a solicitor’s advice ending up in the hands of unregulated or untrained, rogue mediators,’ said Allison.

He also warned that there might be a shortage of properly trained mediators to meet the new demand.

Allison said that as well as mediation, couples should be told about other non-court options including collaborative law, parenting information programmes and solicitor negotiation. ‘Mediation is not suitable in all cases, and the best option will depend on individual circumstances. We should also remember that for some couples court is the right option, including when there is domestic abuse, intimidation or an imbalance of financial power,’ he said.