Free legal aid is being extended for both parents and those with parental responsibilities.
Changes to family legal aid start to take effect on 1 March 2023 with an extension of means free legal aid in some public family law cases. The extension applies when opposing applications for placement and adoption orders in public family law proceedings involving local authorities.
This rules change brings the merits test in line with cases covered by the Special Children Act 1989.
A new option for domestic abuse assessments is also being made available.
Applicants now have the option of having domestic abuse assessments carried out by health professionals over the telephone or by video conference.
This is a new alternative to an examination in person when a report or letter is needed as supporting evidence of domestic abuse. It takes effect from 1 March 2023.
Amendments to the civil legal aid regulations are available to view and the appropriate guidance on GOV.UK has been updated.
This guidance includes details of the new family law proceedings codes which have been built into the Client and Cost Management System (CCMS)
