- News & Comment
-
Online Shop
Online Services
Looseleafs
Law Reports
Books and eBooks
-
CPD & Events
Webinars
- Authors
- About Family Law
- Contact
An interim arrangement has been introduced to address difficulties accessing legal aid for decision hearings in child-focused family court proceedings.
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has confirmed that, from 15 July 2026, legal aid providers will be able to use delegated authority to grant legal representation in cases proceeding under the Child Focused Courts model, previously known as Pathfinder Courts.
The change follows concerns from practitioners about delays in securing legal aid within the accelerated timescales of the child-focused model. The reforms are intended to improve the experience of children involved in private law children proceedings by placing their welfare and participation at the centre of the court process, but existing legal aid processes have been unable to consistently provide representation quickly enough for decision hearings.
Under the interim arrangement, providers will be able to grant legal representation where a decision has already been made to provide support up to and including ‘family help (higher)’. The arrangement applies only to private family children cases progressing through the Child Focused Courts model and is intended as a temporary measure to address immediate operational pressures.
Providers will make decisions directly using delegated functions, although cases can still be referred to the LAA where further guidance or consideration is required.
When recording amendments through the Client and Cost Management System (CCMS), providers must identify that the matter is a Child Focused Courts case within the statement of case and record that delegated functions have been used.
The LAA said a longer-term solution will be developed in consultation with practitioners and representative organisations. The interim arrangement will remain in place until permanent measures are introduced.
