Changes to Legal Aid following the 1st April 2013 reforms and how the Family team at Goldsmith Chambers can help.
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) came into force on 1 April 2013. The Act brings into effect changes to the scope of civil legal aid.
These changes mean that unless clients have been the victims of Domestic Violence, for which evidence must be provided, then they will no longer be entitled to Legal Aid in divorce and financial matters, as well as Private Children Act proceedings for Contact, Residence, Specific Issue Orders or Prohibited Steps Orders. There will still be Legal Aid for Care Proceedings and to obtain injunctions.
To compensate for the changes in legislation the Family Team at Goldsmith Chambers is piloting a reduced fee rate service* for those clients that would have been eligible for legal aid. Please see below for our terms and conditions of instruction:
- This service is only available for clients who would have been eligible for legal aid under the Family Graduated Fee Scheme or Family Advocacy Scheme.
- Payment of fee/s must be made in advance. We accept payment by cheque, credit card or debit card
How can I find out about these exclusive rates?
If you wish to find out more about the rates that we offer then you can contact a member of our Family Clerking Team either by telephone on 020 7353 6802 or by e-mail:
* The offer of this service is subject to six monthly reviews and we reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Where counsel is instructed to attend more than one case on the same day, at the same court, further consideration may be given to fee rates. All prices are subject to VAT. Travel Expenses will be charged additionally where appropriate.
Related practice areas: Family
