The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has finally announced a review into the sustainability of civil legal aid contracts.
Did you know that the last time the civil legal aid fees were increased was in 1996, over 25 years ago! In addition to this, the government imposed a further 10% cut in 2011. Therefore in real-terms there has been a 49.4% fee cut to 2022.
A number of firms have decided to no longer continue providing legal aid as a result of the fee cuts.
Waldrons are proud to have a civil legal aid contract and continue to provide expert services in Child Care law. Our team has grown and is stronger than ever, now with three Law Society Children Panel accredited solicitors.
Our specialist team in Worcester and the Black Country represent parents, children, guardians, foster carers and extended family members (including grandparents, aunts and uncles) in various child care court proceedings and pre-proceedings. This includes issues such as care proceedings, adoption or placement orders, special guardianship orders, child arrangements orders, section 20 agreements, PLO/pre-proceedings meetings, non-molestation injunctions and child abduction.
The Law Society provides a more detailed look at the forthcoming review here: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/legal-aid/civil-legal-aid-review?
