The Ministry of Justice in the UK has announced a £2 million boost to fund supports for separating couples and parents. The aim of the funding is to avoid expensive and lengthy courtroom battles.
The money will go towards different projects and goals, including improving online information so that it is more accessible, accurate and engaging. The Ministry of Justice will be developing a strategy with legal and advice sectors to increase the legal and practical support available to litigants in person in the civil and family courts. It is hoped the funding will assist in the provision of free or affordable legal advice.
In addition to this, a new phone helpline ‘Supporting Separating Parents’ is being rolled out by Cafcass, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Services. It is aimed at separating parents who have been unable to resolve disputes and who want to avoid court battles over their children or who need help in court. The pilot will be tested in a few locations with a view to expanding across the country, and tests a more joined-up ad tailored out-of-court service.
Separately, a Handbook for Litigants in Person has been issued from the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. The handbook was written by six judges of the Council of Circuit Judges. In the foreword to the guide, Lord Dyson explains, “Access to justice is a right, not a privilege… In an environment where more individuals litigate on their own behalf it is incumbent on the judiciary, amongst others, to do what it can to help them navigate the civil justice system as effectively as they can.”
Click here to read an article from The Guardian.
Click here to read the Handbook for Litigants in Person.