Legal Aid for divorce axed from 1st April

March 28, 2013 - PRLog -- The end of legal aid for divorcing couples could be damaging for children caught up in their parents’ marriage breakdown as these couples will no longer be eligible for legal aid to see a lawyer to resolve their divorce or any disputes about their children or finances . The measure is aimed at compelling more couples into mediation rather than receiving support for pricey family proceedings. This together with other legal aid cutbacks is designed to save the Exchequer £350 million by 2014-2015  but the truth is that the complexity of many fractured relationships means that mediation is not always the best fit.

Moving on from a difficult relationship will depend on income and ability to pay legal fees, which can be difficult for many families. Mediation may be a cheaper option but it does not always fit the bill.

Helen Jenks is a family law lecturer at the University of Law, and is available for further media comments and interview.  Please telephone the Broadgate Mainland team on 020 7726 6111. (TheUniversityofLaw@broadgatemainland.com)