Sharp drop in private family law cases spark ‘worrying trend’
New statistics released by the CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) lead to many Family lawyers warning separating parents may take the law in to their own hands in trying to see their children.
The new figures show a sharp drop in the number of private family law cases this year; with 2,928 new private law cases in July – a 36% fall on the same month in 2013. Although the number of new cases rose 2% between April 2013 and March 2014, overall demand has slowed with lower figures recorded than the previous financial year.
The publication of these figures suggest a worrying trend emerging with family law cases. Speaking about the findings, the chair of the Law Society’s family law committee, Naomi Angell, attributed the fall to parents giving up on the court system.
She noted that the reason many parents are shunning expert legal help is a result of the legal aid cuts introduced by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. The act removed legal aid for most private family law cases from April 2013.
Angell says, ‘We were always worried that the cuts would mean that out of desperation people would take things into their own hands’.
Seeking expert legal advice during a separation is vital to deal with the situation accurately and quickly. The breakdown of a relationship is never easy, but seeking legal help will ensure you resolve your issues through sensible and constructive negotiations.
To speak with one of our expert family lawyers, please call 0151 264 7363