New government figures show that over 60% of parents are now representing themselves in court to decide on arrangements for their children. This figure has risen dramatically since the cut in legal aid for most families.
Going to court without proper legal representation is a daunting task, especially at such a stressful time. The government has cut legal aid in a bid to encourage more parents to come to their own arrangements, but as many divorce lawyers will tell you, this is not always possible.
Having no legal representation prolongs the court experience and makes it more difficult for judges to reach the right decisions. This is because parents can not always communicate their case effectively and can get confused by terminology used in questioning.
Knowing what does and what does not count as evidence in a court is also a big problem for anyone who is self-represented. Judges need evidence in order to decide who is telling the truth about certain issues and without proper evidence this job is very difficult.
The cuts in legal aid have come under much criticism, not just because they are damaging to self-represented families, but because they are causing delays in court that affect all families who need the court’s assistance.
If you are considering a divorce you should seek proper legal help in order to ensure the best outcome for you and your children. Contact Grant Stephens, family lawyers in Cardiff to discuss how we can help you.