Legal Aid Archives - Lyons Davidson Solicitors

Blog Family Law

February 22, 2016
by Lyons Davidson

Further protection for emotional abuse victims

On 29 December 2015, under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015, a new criminal offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in intimate or familial relationships came into force. The offence of emotional abuse is constituted by behaviour of the perpetrator, with coercive or controlling behaviour having taken place repeatedly or continuously and having … Continued

Blog Family Law

February 8, 2016
by Lyons Davidson

Many victims of domestic violence should get family legal aid: but do they?

In April 2013, the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) came into force and, consequently, many people have found themselves without access to family legal aid. One group of people – who were supposed to remain protected and still have access to the public purse for legal representation in family proceedings … Continued

Blog Family Law

October 10, 2013
by Lyons Davidson

Is legal aid still available and what are the alternatives?

With all the media coverage about the dramatic reduction in the scope of legal aid since 1 April 2013, it is not surprising that there is confusion about the circumstances in which it is available. Legal aid for family matters is available for victims of domestic abuse. To obtain legal aid for a Non-Molestation Order … Continued

Blog Meruit Costs

June 14, 2013
by Lyons Davidson

Costs Manager Ian Curtis-Nye reports on civil procedure rules, additional liabilities and Jackson reforms

Since the introduction of the Jackson reforms, the revamp of the civil procedure rules with the introduction of the 60th update, together with primary legislation such as the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, there has been a real shake up when it comes to costs. Conditional fee agreements and after the … Continued

Blog Family Law

April 23, 2013
by Lyons Davidson

Lyons Davidson offers fixed fee private child law services package as part of Family Law services

On 1 April 2013, the availability of legal aid changed dramatically. In the following article, we set out a summary of the changes and the ways in which Lyons Davidson can help, including our fixed fee private child law services package. Legal aid is no longer available for the following: Divorce and/or financial issues unless … Continued

Family Law News

March 18, 2013
by Lyons Davidson

Fixed fee legal services replacing legal aid from 1 April 2013

It may come as a shock but, from 1 April 2013, Public Funding (also known as Legal Aid) will not be available to many previously eligible people in relation to family law matters, and they will be replaced by fixed fee legal services. Domestic violence The current economic climate has meant that the Ministry of … Continued

Blog Clinical Negligence

April 26, 2012
by Lyons Davidson

Clinical Negligence claims: Commons and Lords fight it out in LASPO Ping Pong

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill (LASPO) has finally been approved by both Houses of Parliament after a key compromise was reached allowing mesothelioma sufferers to keep all of their compensation, pending a further review and report by the Lord Chancellor. The Lords’ amendment to LASPO in relation to industrial disease cases … Continued

Blog Family Law

August 30, 2011
by Lyons Davidson

Changes to legal aid will cut deep into family law provision

Part of the government’s well-publicised plan to make massive spending cuts is a proposed saving of £350m from the legal aid budget. A large proportion of this will come directly from a reduction in provision of legal aid in private law family cases. The cuts will leave thousands of parents facing the prospect of dealing … Continued