Our family work is going from strength to strength. We’ve been inside the Magistrates’ Courts in Devon and Cornwall since 2005, but in August 2023, we expanded into the Family Courts. This is a short-term project until March 2025, the result of a grant from the Ministry of Justice and The Access to Justice Foundation.
We now have a steady flow of referrals in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Bodmin and Truro.
Supporting over 100 family cases
Demand is high and our case load has grown very quickly. So far, we’ve supported 154 cases and 98 of these people are still receiving our ongoing help and advice. We’re working hard to be a lynchpin in a chain of services, ready and willing to find solutions for the people who come through our door.
Legal Aid
The Government Legal Aid Checker only takes about five minutes. Anyone facing domestic violence may be eligible for Legal Aid.
Legal support is the biggest challenge
Thankfully, many solicitors offer free one-hour consultations. However, it’s becoming more and more difficult to find a solicitor. Following legal adviser departures, there have been some cancellations of courts. HMCTS are actively recruiting to replace these departures and return to full capacity.
We’re working hard to find solutions. For instance, our Exeter team is now trialling one 20 to 30-minute call with a trainee solicitor at The Law Society (reviewed later by a qualified barrister).
University law clinics
We’re excited for the launch of the Exeter Law clinic. As a result of initiatives at the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter, we can refer some of our people to their separate online Community Law Clinic at the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth Family Law Clinic.
Here for those who are not represented
When none of this is possible and a person does not have representation, they are called a ‘litigant in person’. We are here for them, as a result of this fixed-term funding from the Ministry of Justice.
So, we can assist those who are not represented. Although we can’t give legal advice, we do enable them to navigate the process smoothly. This is empowering for someone facing a stressful road ahead. It makes all the difference when they have us by their side.
Focussing on what counts
We’re focussing on what counts, working with each person to capture the relevant information.
There are so many forms! Our clients often need help to find and complete the correct forms. We can make this really efficient for both the client and the court. We build trust and capture all the main points. We then support them to write a concise position statement.
Saving court time
Court time and resources can be saved. This is where we come in. This is what a judge in Cornwall had to say:
I used to have 10 pages. Now I can tell that CASS+ has been involved because I now have just two pages.
Summary – what we do
Our team helps each client to stay positive, one step at a time.
We are free, and independent of the system. We sit down and listen. We build trust and use our knowledge and connections to find solutions to complicated situations.
On top of this, our extensive experience in the Magistrates’ Courts means that we know where to signpost if further support is needed with issues like accommodation, mental health and domestic abuse.
We guide towards positive change and stay by their side for as long as they want us. This is what a client in Cornwall had to say:
I didn’t know where to turn and your leaflet in the package was the only thing I could understand.
Contact us
If you or a loved one needs support through a Family Court in Devon or Cornwall, please contact CASS+: family@cassplus.org, or visit https://www.cassplus.org/contact-us/ for your local office.
