Legal services changes 'damaging' according to 90% of family lawyers

Legal services changes being introduced in the near future have been described as 'damaging' by 90 per cent of family law firms.

The Malton Mercury reports Resolution, an association of more than 5,500 lawyers practising in the sector, claims the legal services shake up will negatively impact upon the ability of Britons to access assistance for cases such as personal injury compensation and domestic abuse.

Having questioned 530 family law firms, chairman David Allison commented: "Our survey has painted a very worrying picture for the future of legal aid provision in England and Wales."

It is hoped the reforms will provide better value-for-money for legal clients and make the system more efficient and accountable.

However, many experts continue to dispute the reforms and the Law Society has launched a legal challenge of the new system.

Despite the fact the majority of family law firms already working in the area had their contracts renewed, the representative body is maintaining access to justice will be reduced in many areas of the country.