DIVORCING couples in Worcester will soon be able to benefit from a unique service - thanks to a city law firm.

The Worcester Family Law Practice, which is based in Foregate Street, is to run divorce information meetings.

These will help couples discover what proceedings will involve and are to be offered free of charge.

"Divorce affects a large percentage of the population, but until now people really did not know what lay ahead of them," said firm partner Paul Kemp, who runs the business with Penny Andrew.

"They were not aware of the full range of issues that arose from divorce or the different options open to them.

"We believe that it is possible for families to make the transition from being married to being divorced without confrontation or conflict."

Couples will be given three options on how to advance with their divorce. These are: mediation, collaborative family law, and traditional court proceedings.

Impartial professional

"Mediation is where an impartial professional helps the couple to mutually acceptable terms on the issues they have," added Mr Kemp.

"Collaborative family law, an exciting new procedure which has come from the States, involves face-to-face negotiations through lawyers without going to court. Agreeing to work together in this way can help clients feel more in control of the process.

"But of course, some people will benefit from the traditional methods of going to court, and we can offer all three here.

"One of the aims of the meetings, is of course, to increase our business in this department. We hope the people who attend will instruct us in whatever path they choose.

"But we will also be giving out numbers of other family law firms and the main reason for the service is to give people something they have never had access to before."

The first meeting is due to be held on Thursday, February 17, at Worcester Family Law's base in Foregate Street.

It starts at 6pm and couples can just turn up on the night.

For more information call 01905 730900.