A YORK lawyer will broaden his practice to include mediation for families in strife.

Oliver Hall, a partner of Andrew Jackson Solicitors, has been granted accreditation from the Family Mediation Council.

He had to successfully complete specialist training and go through an accreditation process .

Adele Wilkinson, partner and head of family solutions at Andrew Jackson said: - “Gaining accreditation as a family mediator is a fantastic achievement for Oliver, involving a great deal of time and effort in meeting the very high bar set by the FMC.

“Oliver is now able to mediate independently for private and legally aided clients.

“Rather than see families torn apart by bitter court battles - with children often caught in the middle of high conflict situations – we encourage clients to consider mediation, which has helped many separating couples build a constructive future for their family, without a court imposing decisions on them.”

Mr Hall is now one of four accredited family lawyers in the firm’s specialist mediation team.

He is based at the firm’s Foss Islands Road base. It has upgraded its office’s IT so solicitors can see clients remotely.