In 2013/14 almost 20,000 more parents went to court without a lawyer, according to government figures released as a consequence of a Freedom of Information request. The rise in unrepresented parents contesting child contact and residence cases follows the withdrawal of legal aid from family lawyers in April 2013 for most private family law matters. Although the government changes were intended to reduce the number of parents proceeding to court, cuts to legal aid have resulted in an annual increase. However, it is the increase in the number of unrepresented parents that will be likely to cause most concern. For the first time ever, over half (57%) of all parents who attended court in 2013/14 in private law children proceedings did so without a lawyer to represent them. In total, family courts dealt with 19,140 more unrepresented parents. Judges and magistrates have warned of the pressure the courts are suffering as a result of the rise in the number of litigants in person.
Full story courtesy of Family Law Week.
Did you like our article on how parents went to court? Why not find out more:
We are a national network of independent experienced social workers, psychologists, forensic risk assessment experts and qualified therapists
WillisPalmer is the UK’s largest provider of independent social workers, psychologists, forensic risk assessment experts and qualified therapists. We are able to help with a range of multi-disciplinary assessments.
WillisPalmer has been providing expert reports since 2004, serving local authorities, solicitors and independent organisations throughout the UK and overseas. As a social work owned and operated company, we ensure that children remain at the centre of everything we do.
Whether you’re looking to venture into the world of independent social work or want to instruct one of our experts, we are here to help and look forward to working with you.
www.willispalmer.com
