Member Article

Soap storyline boosts divorce business for Manchester solicitors

Manchester law firm, Slater Heelis Solicitors, has seen a surge in enquiries around mediation services as an alternative to divorce.

The firm said this sudden rise of calls was down to a storyline on popular London-based soap, Eastenders.

One of the show’s characters, Michael Moon, who is played by Steve John Shepherd, was shown asking for advice around his divorce with estranged wife, Janine Butcher, who is played by Charlie Brooks.

A family lawyer was shown in the soap suggesting mediation as an alternative to traditional divorce routes and a preferable, simpler way to proceed with a separation.

Slater Heelis’ family team said it has seen an increase in calls about mediation since the programme aired on Tuesday.

Wendy Buckley, solicitor and mediation lawyer at the firm, commented: “I watched the episode of EastEnders when it aired on Tuesday and was really pleased to see that such a high profile show was featuring it.

“When couples come to divorce, being offered mediation as an option can make a huge difference to their short and long-term future, especially if children are concerned, as in this storyline.

“We have seen numerous calls on Wednesday asking about mediation, which can only be a positive thing, especially in the light of the recent cuts to legal aid.”

Slater Heelis family law team claims to be the largest in South Manchester, and Wendy Buckley is one of the firm’s trained mediators.

The firm is currently hoping to promote mediation services and raise awareness around the process as a cheaper and faster way to resolve families divorce cases.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .