Ministry of Justice figures highlighting the rising number of private law cases and litigants in person have prompted calls for the government to heed recent warnings about the family justice system.
13,029 new private law applications, involving over 28,000 children, were made between April and June this year, a 3% increase on the same period last year. Neither the applicant nor respondent were represented in 36% of disposals, compared with 34% in the previous quarter.
This month the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas told the House of Commons that the rise in private law cases was “deeply worrying”. Suggested solutions included reverting to the old legal aid system or, as is done in California, provide a lawyer in court who can advise on an employed basis.
Figures show 27,291 divorce petitions were made between April and June, down 10% on the same quarter last year. Resolution said the decline reflected the growing number of cohabiting couples, the fastest growing family type in the UK. “Yet, bizarrely, there is still little or no legal protection for cohabitants should they separate. This needs to change.” Nigel Shepherd, Resolution Chair, said.
At Wrigley Claydon, we fight on your behalf to make the difficult time of divorce or separation a little easier. We are experienced family lawyers and can assist you with the legal aspects of any family situation in which you may find yourself. We deal with our cases sensitively.
