Many who are in need of legal products and services are feeling the effect of the Legal Aid cuts that came into force in April 2013. The cuts have undoubtedly had a huge impact on those from more deprived areas, areas where people struggle to make ends meet on a day to day basis, people who simply cannot afford legal advice and representation in spite of requiring it.
Many of those who are caught up in complex family disputes are unable to secure public funding. Prior to April 2013, and prior to the drastic changes, most in this situation would have been eligible for legal advice, assistance and representation at Court if the matter could not be resolved pre proceedings. However, the rigid restrictions on eligibility now mean legal aid is no longer available to most and people are either accepting the situation that they are faced with (for example, accepting that they are being unreasonably refused contact with their children) or alternatively taking their cases before the Courts without a legal representative. Paying a solicitor’s fees simply isn’t a viable option for those whose disposable income is limited or even non existent.
The reality is that many of those seeking but unable to secure legal aid are emotional, vulnerable and quite frankly scared of conducting their own litigation. This is of course understandable. These people have no or limited knowledge of the law and the process and it is unjust for them to be expected to conduct their own cases in a confident and competent manner.
At Martyn Prowel Solicitors we believe that the reforms to legal aid should be reconsidered and that justice should not be denied to those who are unable to afford to pay legal fees.
If you have any questions about eligibility for legal aid or how our fees can be tailored to your individual needs then please contact our friendly and experienced family team on 02920 470909.