A new scheme is being launched this month offering a more affordable legal advice service to people who are “just about managing” financially – or “Jams”.
The hourly rate under this scheme is set at £125 an hour (plus VAT) and is available to people with income of less than £20,000 per annum and under £20,000 of accessible savings. The scheme is accessible through the OnlyMums and OnlyDads’ Family Law Panel and operated and delivered by family solicitors who are members of Resolution, the national family law organisation.
Bob Grieg, Co-Director of OnlyMums and OnlyDads said “the reduced fees scheme is timely; a number of people the so called “Jams” often struggle to pay full commercial rates. We know that many parents are looking to perhaps use professional advisors to take on particular bits of work on their individual cases and a figure in the region of £125 an hour is clearly more manageable than £250 (or more) an hour. We will be encouraging organisations nationwide to signpost to this scheme”
Solicitor Samantha Lee, Director and Head of Family at Swain and Co and a member of the Family Law Panel said “we have joined up to this scheme as we are determined to make it easier for everyone to be able to access legal advice when they need it regardless of their financial circumstances. We are delighted to be working with OnlyMums and OnlyDads to offer more affordable legal help”
The Family Law Panel consists entirely of members of Resolution who sign up to a service level agreement. This offers individuals an initial free conversation with the aim of outlining the options available to best overcome their particular legal issues and problems. Further information about the reduced fees scheme can be found at www.thefamilylawpanel.org or by contacting Swain and Co direct on 023 9248 3322.