Friday, 11 May 2012

Legal Aid Reform (Cutbacks)

Legal aid reform has been approved, and from 13th April 2013, there will no longer be legal aid funding for private family law cases (other than cases where criteria are met regarding domestic violence or child abuse).

Subject to meeting eligibility criteria, legal aid will still be available for:
  • Public law children proceedings involving care and supervision
  • Private law family applications for injunctions and other orders to prevent domestic violence and forced marriage and linked proceedings
  • Emergency orders to prevent the unlawful removal of a child from the UK (there is no legal aid to oppose such orders)
  • Representation of children in private law proceedings
  • Mediation