SLCC releases new guide for the public on family law

To celebrate International Family Day the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) has today published an updated version of its Family Law Consumer Guide. The guide, which was first published in 2015, is aimed at helping consumers be aware of the common problems which give rise to complaints and how to avoid these.

Complaints arising from family law transactions account for one in five of all complaints made in Scotland about solicitors.

The short guide offers ten top tips for consumers based on real complaints received by the SLCC.

Launching the guide, the SLCC’s head of oversight, David Buchanan-Cook said: “Having dealt with over 10,000 legal complaints we know what is likely to cause problems in family law.”

“We also know that many of these complaints can easily be avoided. This guide what we know. The aim is to inform and empower consumers, ensuring that their family law case goes as smoothly as possible.”

With an upward trend in legal complaints – March 2017 saw the highest number on record since the SLCC was set up – the guide is part of a series designed to help avoid complaints arising.

Mr Buchanan-Cook added: “Looking at the cause of complaints and seeking to prevent these is the most efficient and effective way to address this trend. Prevention, as we know, is better than cure.”

The Family Law Consumer Guide will be followed with a guide for legal practitioners.