05 October 2021
Law Society concerned at DOJ family law standard fee proposals
The Law Society has written to the Department of Justice (Northern Ireland) to voice its concerns regarding proposals to introduce a standard fee regime in certain family law cases.
The Society has responded to the Department of Justice consultation on the introduction of standard fees for legally-aided Article 8 and Article 50 Children Order cases in the Family Proceedings Court.
The Society's response in full can be downloaded here.
In its response the Society has outlined its position that the Department’s proposals will have a detrimental impact on the justice system, have the potential to do significant damage to the solicitor profession and the Society considers that a fundamental rethink is needed.
The Society is encouraged that the Department has agreed to further, direct engagement with the Society and family law practitioners in the coming weeks. The Society welcomes this opportunity for further dialogue.