According to a snapshot survey by Resolution, the association representing 6,000 family lawyers, less than a quarter of families that currently qualify for legal aid will be able to access subsidised legal support if the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill is passed.
The survey of 267 family lawyers found that 57 per cent believe a parent risks losing contact with their child in at least half of their cases – a total 4,348 from the snapshot sample alone.
A further 41 per cent of members said their current legal aid cases would be unsuitable for mediation, partly as a result of domestic violence, drug or alcohol problems or mental health issues.
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