Hundreds of thousands of people with family law problems may no longer have access to free legal advice under government proposals that have recently been announced.

Although, as a firm, we do not offer legal aid, the government proposals has alerted us to the problems which many individuals with family issues may face in the future.

The proposals, published in a recent consultation paper, suggest the removal of whole areas of law from the scope of public funding e.g. divorcing couples will no longer be able to receive free legal representation for court cases, other than in cases where there is domestic violence or forced marriage, in a change ministers say should encourage mediation.

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke said: ‘I strongly believe that access to justice is the hallmark of a civilised society. But at more than £2bn each year, we currently have one of the most expensive legal aid systems in the world. This cannot continue.

‘Since the scheme was established in 1949, its scope has been widened far beyond what was originally intended. There has never been a substantive review of the entire system to ensure it is sustainable, proportionate and affordable.

‘I believe that the taxpayer should continue to provide legal aid to those who need it most and for serious issues. But the current system can encourage lengthy, acrimonious and sometimes unnecessary court proceedings, at taxpayers’ expense, which may not always ensure the best result for those involved.

‘The proposals I have outlined today suggest clear tough choices to ensure access to public funding in those cases that really require it, the protection of the most vulnerable in society and the efficient performance of the justice system.’

The plans are open for consultation until February 2011, Mr Clarke told MPs there was a compelling case for going back to first principles in reforming legal aid. It seems under the plans; the government estimates that £350m will be saved from the MoJ’s budget by 2014/15 if its proposals are implemented in full.

- Matthew