City Lawyers Celebrate Cinic's Success
A FREE legal clinic has been declared a success in supporting families involved in child custody disputes at the Exeter Family Court and is looking to help more people.
An information stall was held this week at the city’s Combined Court to promote the free monthly, Exeter Family Court Clinic. Since the clinic opened in May, a total of 20 families have been helped and during National Pro Bono Week (6-11 Nov) local lawyers are keen to help more people who cannot afford legal advice to represent themselves in a Family Court case and to guide them towards other support services. Appointments must be made for the clinic.
The development of the Exeter Family Court Clinic has been driven by local barristers and solicitors, who work in partnership with the Exeter branch of the national legal charity, the Personal Support Unit (PSU).
Matt Bass, the PSU Exeter manager, is delighted with the success of the clinic. “It’s proving to be very helpful to local families during difficult and stressful times. We believe that nobody should have to face court alone, so this new clinic is an important aid for people who cannot afford legal help,” said Matt. “We help people feel more prepared, signpost to further support and help them feel better able to handle their case.
“The success of the clinic is best told through one family’s story. One of our clients, Peter, a 34-year-old dad of two girls, finally agreed child arrangements after just one visit to the clinic. After three years of disputes with his ex-partner over arrangements for their two young daughters, Peter couldn't afford professional legal help and felt frustrated and angry at the court system, and his ex.
“We booked an appointment for him and he met an experienced family lawyer and was able to air his worries and talk about his aims. He was given advice and guidance about his position, which was written for him to take away and reflect on. Just a week later Peter was back at the PSU and said he had changed his approach to proceedings, adjusted his aims and was ready to talk.
“At the next court hearing Peter talked with his ex’s barrister and with input from the judge, they came to a full agreement on contact and residence. Peter told us that advice and guidance from the clinic was all important in getting a quick resolution that benefited his daughters and he was thankful for the support,” said Matt.
So far seven family lawyers have given time to the clinic, including solicitors from the firms Everys and Wollen Michelmore, and barristers from Magdalen Chambers and Colleton Chambers.
There are 22 family lawyers on the clinic’s volunteer list and more are welcome to join. Carol Mashembo, lead lawyer at the clinic, commented: “We are delighted with the success of the Clinic so far which would not have been possible without the commitment of our volunteers. We are now looking to develop our service to help even more people by seeking funding to market the clinic more widely and to create a website.”
The next clinic takes place during National Pro Bono Week which is a nationwide campaign of events to celebrate the free legal services provided by the legal profession to those who would otherwise be unable to get the legal advice they need.
The Exeter Family Court Clinic takes place on the first Friday of every month and help is given to parents involved in a dispute about the arrangements for their children.
The clinic can only help in cases involving the children’s parents, and where the Local Authority is not involved. Appointments last 30 minutes and are usually a one-off. Lawyers assist people who are bringing cases, or replying to them.
The Exeter Family Court Clinic is held at the Exeter Combined Court in Southernhay. Please book with the PSU. Email: exeter@thepsu.org.uk or call: 01392 415 335.
