The Daily Telegraph reports that the Government’s plan to reduce the £2 billion it currently spends on legal aid will affect around 200,000 people filing for divorce when the cut-off point for the top amount of money they earn combined with the equity they have, is lowered.

Case load capacity

Under the new rules, those earning more than £14,000 will be subject to an in-depth means test in order to be granted legal aid.
Liz Bruce of Bristol-based firm Lyons Davidson said the cuts had already had a huge impact on firms, with many reaching case load capacity. She added: ‘I know that firms have had a real rush in the last couple of months. People are suddenly realising they need to get in there before legal aid ends. I know a lot of firms don’t have room for any more clients now because they have had so many.’
Ms Bruce also suggested that the cuts will prevent a large amount of people from getting access to a solicitor, as they will instead take cases to court themselves.

Custody issues

According to the report, at least 70 per cent of family cases - including divorce, custody issues and financial disputes - will no longer be applicable for legal aid after the cuts.
The founder of Lawyers Supporting Mediation, Marc Lopatin, also claimed that the number of claims has rocketed in recent weeks. He commented: ‘Reality has sunk in and they’ve realised it’s the eleventh hour and they’re trying their best to get help while it’s still available.’