Sir Andrew notes in particular the significant increase in the number of private law cases relating to children, and the big rise in the number of such cases involving at least one ‘litigant in person’ i.e. somebody having to represent themselves in court as they are unable to afford a lawyer and have been unable to secure legal aid.
In light of the growing pressures on the court system, Sir Andrew is setting up working groups to look at and discuss the situation. It is hoped that they will be in a position to report and make recommendations by Easter.
In the meantime, however, Sir Andrew acknowledges that all professionals involved in the family justice system will continue to experience the adverse impact of the high volume of cases, and the increasing number of litigants in person.
Sir Andrew’s ‘View from the President’s Chambers’ letter can be found at the following link:
https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/amcfview-1.pdf
