Winchester law firm introduces new service for hard-pressed families (From Hampshire Chronicle)
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Winchester law firm introduces new service for hard-pressed families
10:28am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News By Joseph Curtis
Winchester law firm introduces new service for hard-pressed families
A WINCHESTER solicitors' has launched a new scheme to help low income families.
With legal aid set to be abolished from April 1, Shentons Solicitors, based in Staple Gardens, has reduced its fees on family matters to help more people afford representation.
Nick Bell, head of the family department, said: “By introducing this service we aim to continue providing family advice to as many people as possible in the Winchester area.
“Unless there is evidence of domestic violence or the case involves a local authority in care proceedings, legal aid will no longer be available for family matters and this means that those requiring advice will either have to pay or be left to 'sink or swim' on their own in the courts.”
Clients will qualify for the reduced fee, £75 plus VAT per hour, if their income is less than £25,000 per year and they have capital of less than £2,000.
