Insights & News
The legal system is broken: Why are fees increasing but service and support decreasing?
The age-old saying, “Justice delayed is justice denied,” has never resonated more than it does now because of the current state of our legal system.
The justice system was built to uphold fairness and equality and protect society, but ironically, it has now become inaccessible for many. Why? Because there has been a hike in court fees contrasted by a decrease in the quality of service and support.
The crisis
Just three years ago, starting a legal case was affordable. The system for paying court fees was simple, clear, and, most importantly, affordable. Court fees were scaled based on your claim’s value, capped at approximately £500. This facilitated more equitable access to the courts, ensuring that finances didn’t deter individuals from seeking justice.
However, the legal landscape then changed. The new system mandated that people pay 5% of the claim’s value and up to £10,000 for claims exceeding £200,000 – a dramatic increase from £500 to £10,000. What triggered this incredible shift?
Understanding the problem
The answer lies in the government’s fiscal strategy. Facing the pressure to streamline budgets, one of the public sectors that came under pressure was legal services. The government of the time believed that by transferring a portion of the financial responsibility onto the public demands upon the Court service would be reduced to more manageable levels. Unfortunately, exactly the opposite has materialised…so legal proceedings are much more expensive, but the service offered by our Courts is significantly worse.
Our local County Court used to have eight dedicated full-time staff, but now there’s only one part-time employee. There are now fewer judges and even fewer people providing support for your legal case. Cases now take 4-5 years to get to the end when they used to take around 1-2 years.
The system’s efficiency has plummeted. For example, the “Unless Order” – an order specifying that, if an earlier Court Order is not complied with by the specified date, the claim/defence shall be struck out has totally lost its effectiveness. What was once an effective ‘case management’ tool is more or less futile as the Courts take months on end processing the Unless Order applications.
The consequences
This situation is more than mere statistics and anecdotes. It signifies a broken system where people, despite paying significantly more, are trapped in a sluggish and inefficient system.
The simple act of communicating with the court can feel like an endurance test, with many finding themselves on hold for several hours, emphasising the depth of the crisis.
CWD’s proactive approach
At CWD, we recognise the system’s issues, and our core philosophy is to advocate for out-of-court resolutions.
But we also understand that sometimes, court intervention is inevitable. For such instances, CWD offers innovative solutions, including DBAs (damages-based agreements), insurance options, etc., to help you manage your legal fees.
More importantly, at CWD, we are completely outcome focused. In legal disputes there are lots of different routes to a conclusion. Getting to the desired finish line as quickly as possible is generally what our clients want – so that is always our priority too. By testing at the beginning our client’s budget and risk appetite, we can often craft a tailored, fixed-fee arrangement. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, our approach ensures that each client, regardless of their financial capacity, receives the high quality legal service they deserve.
In an era where the legal world is increasingly more complex, having a reliable partner can make all the difference.
More Articles
'eBay-style' online courts could resolve smaller claims
Recent Developments in Employment Law
Looking for family solicitors Amersham?
Licence and Liberty Saved
Legal aid abolishment
Another success for the CWD Criminal Department
Putting the fun into fundraising in 2016
Social media platforms, free speech, and UK law: Who is accountable?
How the written word could help your business
CWD's Peter Coyle's appearances on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Wales
How family solicitors in Amersham can help you
Betfred customer denied £1.7million prize due to 'glitch' takes case to court
The legal advantages of getting a prenuptial agreement at Coyle White Devine
Sorry seems to be the hardest word for Katie Hopkins after defaming journalist on Twitter
Have you been a victim of domestic abuse? Ways to find the best solicitor to represent you
What does a family solicitor in Amersham do?
Reach an amicable divorce using family solicitors Amersham
Need help with a postnuptial dispute? Coyle White Devine family solicitors can help
ANDY GREEN V BETFRED- THE MEDIA COVERAGE CONTINUES WITH THE TIMES
Double the Success for the Private Crime Team as CPS Squeezed into Discontinuing
Missed out on a prenuptial agreement? Coyle White Devine’s guide to postnuptial agreements
Guiding you through troubled waters thanks to our expert family solicitors in Amersham
ANDY GREEN V BETFRED – Peter Coyle’s Interview with The Gambling Insider
Peter Coyle - Times Lawyer of the Week
How family solicitors in Amersham can help you to protect your assets
Case of Betfred refusing £1.7m payment to customer going to summary judgment in October
ANDY GREEN v BETFRED – more media coverage
Divorce proceedings with a family solicitor in Amersham
Success for the CWD Criminal Department!
Court of Appeal Rubs Salt in Stratstone's Wounds
Finding a Family Solicitor in Amersham who is right for you
Could mediation be your ticket to a hassle-free divorce?
How to avoid making a dogs dinner of choosing a company name
Keeping your head above water thanks to our quality family solicitors in Amersham
CWD Client Wins £1 Million Battle Against Paddy Power
Need help with child custody? How our solicitors at Coyle White Devine can help you
Guiding you towards an amicable solution with a trustworthy family solicitors in Amersham
Coyle White Devine defeat Betfred in High Court Battle
A family solicitor in Amersham can advise on other ways to separate
Divorces and financial settlements How Coyle White Devine can help you with negotiations and resolution
CWD Crime Team - Health and Safety Executive Interviews
Looking for a reliable solicitor firm in Amersham? Reasons to choose Coyle White Devine
Resolve your financial disputes professionally through reliable family solicitors in Amersham
Straightforward support by your family solicitors in Amersham
Announcement from Peter Coyle
The UK construction industry, insolvency, and the Labour Manifesto
Sports law in the UK: A brief guide to the regulations that govern football
ANDY GREEN V BETFRED – COVERAGE BY THE DAILY MAIL, THE SUN, THE MIRROR, THE DAILY STAR, AND THE DAILY RECORD
ANDY GREEN V BETFRED (DAVID VS GOLAITH) – MORE MEDIA COVERAGE FROM THE BBC
Continuing success for the CWD Criminal Department!
DAVID V GOLIATH – CWD helps Lincolnshire man take on the might of Betfred
Take the best way forward with family solicitors in Amersham you can trust
Single dad refused £1.7 million Betfred payout over 'glitch' takes bookies to court
Dos and don’ts of pre-nuptial agreements as suggested by our Amersham Family Solicitors
The legal side to ending a relationship when you cohabitate
What according to an Amersham family solicitor are the most common reasons for family breakups?
$2.2 Million Customer Dispute With Betfred Going to Summary Judgment
Why do I need a family solicitor in Amersham?
Betfred gambler in High Court battle over £1.7m payout he never received
Emphatic Success for Coyle White Devine's Private Crime Team
Corporate Insolvency - Ensuring the Appointment of Administrators is Valid
Another outstanding testimonial for the criminal department
What does family law entail?
How does a family solicitor in Amersham support my family during a divorce?
Private Crime Team Success Continues in 2016
Announcing our new Private Crime Department
How do you get divorced?
Are you going through a messy divorce? Let us help you through the worst of it
VW emissions scandal widens to include Porsche claims
Tips on how to keep your divorce civil and non-confrontational
Does a family solicitor in Amersham understand my pain?
Customer Takes Betfred to High Court After Being Denied £1.7m Prize
Helping you find the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to our family solicitors in Amersham
Family solicitor attributes and what to look for
Blackjack gambler who won £1.7m with Betfred but never received a penny after firm blamed software glitch could be days away from getting his winnings at High Court
And they’re off! Betfred sued by £1.7m ‘winner’
CWD Law secures £1m+ win after 3-year battle with Paddy Power
Questions you should ask a family solicitor before hiring them
CWD Company Update
Relieving financial pressure through an expert family solicitors in Amersham
Advice from a family solicitor in Amersham
What should I expect from Family Solicitors in Amersham?
Family solicitors in Amersham - helping family disputes
Continuing success for CWD’s employment department
How family solicitors in Amersham can help with the issue of children during divorce
Ways in which family solicitors in Amersham can assist with your divorce case
Questions you should ask yourself when getting divorced
Private Crime Team's Hard Work Pays Off Again