Family email advice line tries to fill gap left by cuts
Clients will be referred to University of Law LPC students by CAB
A new family law email advice line has been launched to meet the demand for pro bono legal advice in the wake of LASPO.
Launched by the University of Law in Chester and Cheshire West Citizens Advice Bureau, the Family Email Advice Line (FEAL) will give people in the north-west free advice on family concerns including breakdown and children.
Heather Eadsforth (pictured), University of Law Chester pro bono supervisor said: "The recent legal aid cuts are likely to cause an increase in the number of people coming to us for family law advice."
Eadsforth said the number of people seeking out free advice had been an issue before LASPO took hold, with the economic downturn leaving more and more people unable to access a solicitor.
Paul Nicholls, chief executive of the CAB said: "We are approached by people facing multiple problems as a result of relationship breakdown.
"The withdrawal of legal aid will make it impossible for most of these people to access the help they need."
The CAB will refer members of the public to the email advice line, which will allocate cases to LPC student volunteers. Students will then send back draft advice to clients under supervision.
Last month, the country's largest association of family law practitioners Resolution launched divorce 'guides', a scheme, funded by the DWP, to give practical advice to couples on how to divorce amicably.