Subjects:

Family Law

Contents:

Part 1 The policy context: the family law act 1996 - harbinger of revolution?

the reforms delayed - reprieve for the legal process?

the judiciary lend a hand

empirical evidence about lawyers and divorce

the public funding of family law work - the legal aid reforms

funding-driven suggestions for changes in the substantive law

in conclusion - lawyers on trial. Part 2 The data collection: the objectives

the method. Part 3 Family solicitors - the workforce and the work: the nature of the workforce

the work of family solicitors. Part 4 Observing a dual profession: a ""dual profession""

the legal aid practitioner

a ""day in court""

the private client

the core activity - interaction

conclusions. Part 5 Solicitor and client - support and negotiation: supporting the client

negotiating a position

support in action. Part 6 The ""other side"" - achieving settlement: the significance of legal representation

some negotiating strategies

negotiation - conclusions. Part 7 Outcomes - are solicitors cost-effective?: calculating value for money

the costs and benefits

in conclusion. Part 8 Process issues - duration and cost: obtaining the divorce decree

the ancillary relief pilot project

financial disclosure

""constructive delay""

structural reasons for delay

the relevance of legal aid

intrusion of extraneous matters

obstructiveness of the parties

efforts to speed up the process

solicitor-induced delays

conclusions -duration and cost. Part 9 Conclusions - family law practice - a business or a profession?: a review of findings - the tensions in family law practice

what improvements might be made?

do family lawyers create work to maximize profit?

final thoughts

appendix.

Provides an insight into the real world of family solicitors at a time of great change within the delivery of legal services. The legal process is widely perceived as being in itself harmful to the resolution of family disputes. This book considers this argument on the basis of research.