The Law Society of England and Wales is urging the UK government to invest more in family justice as new figures show a rise in cases entering the family courts in England and Wales, at the end of 2025*.
In family courts, there were 270,474 new cases in 2025, up 3% from 2024. In October to December 2025, the highest increases were seen in private family law (13%) and financial remedy cases (13%), as well as a continued increase in domestic abuse cases (4%)**.
A growing number of people are representing themselves. In 2025, in almost half (47%) of private family law cases, both parties appeared without a lawyer (litigants in person).
It has been 13 years since the government removed legal aid from most family law matters with the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO).
Lack of government investment in professional legal advice has only slowed court processes for families and increased long-term costs for society***.
Law Society of England and Wales president, Mark Evans, said: “These figures tell a clear story. As more families turn to the courts, the need for this vital public service is more apparent than ever. However, too many people are left to navigate complex and emotional court processes alone because of a persistent lack of government investment.
“While the recent roll out of child-focused courts aim to ensure better outcomes, we are deeply concerned that ongoing administrative problems with legal aid means that survivors of abuse are being left without support in hearings that determine their children’s futures. These issues must be resolved urgently to ensure every child and parent at risk can access justice and receive the protection they need.
“The government must invest in civil legal aid and court resources to provide essential legal support for all communities. That is why we are campaigning to bring family legal aid back from the brink.
“Investing now would ease the immediate pressure on the civil justice system and ensure families can access timely legal advice. This is crucial to delivering fair outcomes and upholding the integrity of our justice system.”
**Private family law cases often arise after a relationship breakdown, when families apply for arrangements relating to where their children live and who they have contact with.
**Financial remedy cases are used to settle financial disputes after a relationship breakdown between spouses or civil partners.
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