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Franchising Legal Services - The changing landscape of the legal industry

12 Apr 2025
Theatre Six

According to the Family Court statistics published in December 2023 there were 27,290 applications for divorce in the last quarter from July 2023 to September 2023. In each of those cases the parties require financial orders which are a separate application to divorce.

There were 11,118 financial applications made in the same quarter, up 15% from the same period in 2022. 70% of applications were uncontested and 20% contested. In general, divorcing couples are becoming more aware that they do not need a solicitor for their divorce and associated matters in relation to finances and/or the children and are choosing to represent themselves.

What the main key factors responsible for these changes?
There has been a significant rise in the number of people representing themselves in family courts in England and Wales due to several key factors:

1. Legal Aid Cuts (LASPO Act 2013): The introduction of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) in 2013 dramatically reduced the availability of legal aid for most private family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, and financial disputes. Many individuals who would have qualified for legal aid before 2013 can no longer afford to hire a solicitor or barrister, leading them to represent themselves.

2. Cost of Legal Representation: The high cost of legal representation is a significant barrier for many individuals. Family law cases can be long, complicated, and expensive, and without the availability of legal aid, hiring a lawyer is financially out of reach for many people.

3. Increased Awareness of Self-Representation: Some individuals are becoming more aware of the possibility of representing themselves, and there are more resources available to help them navigate the process. Free or low-cost online legal resources, guides, and charities have made it easier for people to attempt to represent themselves in court.

4. Judicial Overload and Delays: As the family courts have become overloaded with cases, delays in proceedings can increase costs for those who do have legal representation. Some individuals may choose to self-represent to save money over prolonged proceedings.

5. Perceived Simplicity of Cases: Some people believe that their family law cases are straightforward enough to handle on their own without a lawyer. They may not realize the complexity of legal procedures and arguments until they are deeply involved in the court process.

6. Cultural and Social Shifts: As access to information increases and people become more empowered by digital platforms and communities, there is a growing sense of confidence in tackling legal matters independently.

In this seminar we examine those factors in more detail, we consider the business opportunities available in this sector and why the franchise model offers value to the consumer and is a realistic and profitable solution.
 

Speakers
Cheryl Thornley, Founder, Owner & Operator & Head of Legal - Puzzle Piece Law
View all 2025 Seminar

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