...Just prior to my son sacking his solicitor, she smugly informed him that he wont be entitled to Legal Aid come April 2013. I know that reform is on the cards but dont know the ins and outs of it!
If it happens, I see it as yet another attack on the poor and vulnerable in our society...but it may work in favour of Dads who at the moment feel that the scales are tipped very unfairly in favour of mothers, who can generally rely on free legal representation. With that removed, there may be a more level playing field... However, big picture, abolishing legal aid can only be a bad thing in my opinion.
Does anyone have any knowledge of how these reforms will pan out as far as family law is concerned? If legal aid is to be denied for family law cases, what do you think the impact will be?
Not something I'd heard of, as you say, maybe it will even things out a bit more, but in the genuine cases where a child is at risk, it may offer the parent with care less protection.
I managed to hunt around and found this webpage, and towards the bottom it lists which things will be 'out of scope' for legal aid.
...Well, it looks like my sons smug and sacked solicitor was right. I can see problems ahead, especially for those that are ill equipped to defend themselves. It appears family law in cases where there's evidence of DV or child abuse will still be covered...that could set a dangerous precedent and encourage false accusations of such behaviour just to facilitate legal aid... I really hope I'm wrong about that! 🙁
That's quite a cynical point of view and like you say I hope you are wrong.
But then with these no win no fee lawyers touting for business they could turn a simple divorce into an abuse accusation!
....Sorry for the cynicism SM. But nothing would surprise me where some women are concerned! I have already read several stories on here recently of women playing the DV card to prevent contact. My sons own experience and the terrible lies that his ex spouted, and not just about him, but me too, are testament to that.
I fear for the poor and vulnerable in our society too when these reforms come in.
To be fair to NJ that was the first thing that crossed my mind as well. So maybe there is a place for cynicism.
I would hope that taking family law issues out of the legal aid process would push parents into the mediation system. Which would be far cheaper and would allow them to come to agreements that would be more amicable. However the little cynical voice in my head is saying that unless parents are forced into this system then it just won't work.
Hi
Part of me thinks it will be a good thing, so women are having to stand up in court without a solicitor so they will be equal, but it also worries me that there will be a big increase of women saying there partners abused them as it is already happening, you cant even respond to a text without wondering if you will get a non-molestation order. My sons ex has already said she has informed the police so they are pre warned, all he did was to dare to speak out.
I used to think mediation was the way to go, but its become so expensive and I know in our case we need the court to rubber stamp the contact order.
Loving this thread - some interesting views.
Hi I understand what you are saying Bass but this also goes for the women, so they wont have there fancy barristors and they will have to stand up and fight there corner just as a lot of men do now. I think this is why so much money is being pumped into the mediation service, but for a lot this is also to expensive and if it takes weeks , months to mediate with no other choice but to go to court. Time will tell !!
Have you been to court today , how did you get on ?
Hi Guys,
I combined the two threads because they were about the same subject. Interesting to hear you thoughts though.