Family law solicitors have this week slated delays in the justice system after Law Society research showed that 70% of cases in London are held up by a lack of judicial staff.

The study indicated that serious cases of domestic violence and those involving vulnerable children have been delayed because there are not enough judges to deal with them.


Law Society President Kevin Martin said he had been particularly disturbed by one case, where the fate of an eight-month-old baby had been left in limbo because the court process could not determine whether she should be left with her mother or taken in by the local authority. 'She is at risk of significant harm due to delays, as this means she is either kept from her mother or prevented from moving permanently to a new family,' he said.


The Law Society said delays were due to insufficient 'judge hours' being allocated to family matters, and inadequate staff recruitment and training in family courts.


Family law group Resolution agreed delays were causing serious harm to both adults and children. Chairwoman Kim Beatson called for better training, more liaising between registries and listing offices, and improved communication between solicitors and court staff.


'The Lord Chancellor should heed the criticisms, because these are shared by all sectors in the family justice system,' Ms Beatson warned.


The Department for Constitutional Affairs admitted there was a problem in London, which it blamed on a higher than forecast increase in cases. However, a spokeswoman said it is addressing the issue through initiatives such as the appointment of a case progression officer to the Principal Registry to improve case handling.