The Family Graduated Fees Scheme (FGFS) Review

Information Pack - Public Funding Issues

Introduction

October 2003

Attached you will find an information pack regarding public funding issues. The pack is intended to assist those dealing with costs and related issues around the involvement of experts in public law Children Act cases which are subject to the Judicial Case Management Protocol.

Decisions around the use and instruction of experts are of course within the discretion of the court, although the Protocol envisages standard ways of working and decision making. The Case Management Conference hearing envisages detailed consideration of the need for and instructions to an expert or experts, including consideration of the responsibility for instruction, the likely costs and any apportionment of costs.

Against that background this pack is intended to inform those considering the issues raised by the Protocol, including the Case Management Check List and the Code of Guidance for Expert Witnesses in Family Proceedings.

This pack is available electronically on the Legal Services Commission website at www.legalservices.gov.uk and it is hoped that those using it will find it helpful as an initial point of information as well as for future reference.

The Family Graduated Fees Scheme is to be amended to reflect the implementation of the Protocol. Details are available separately on the Commission's website which will be updated with the latest developments.

Queries and comments on this pack should be addressed to:

Lynn Graham
Senior Legal Adviser
Policy & Legal Department
Legal Services Commission
85 Gray's Inn Road
London WC1X 8TX

Email
Telephone: 020 7759 0368 (direct dial)
Fax: 020 7759 0536