The President of the Family Court Sir James Munby has criticised the time it took to resolve a legal aid funding application.
In a case concerning the adoption of a child removed from his parents in April, legal aid was not finally granted, subject to a monthly contribution, until December.
The case was made more complex by the fact that both parents had learning difficulties and the President commented they “could be forgiven for thinking they are trapped in a system which is neither compassionate nor even humane”.
In his Judgment the President suggested it was “unthinkable” that the parents should have to face the local authority application without proper representation.
Legal aid funding remains available to find family law advice particularly in cases concerning social services.