Provisions of the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010 that could allow lay representatives to speak on behalf of people who are representing themselves in civil courts come into force on 1st September 2011.
A working group chaired by Lord Pentland is now seeking views on their proposals about how this change will work. A paper on lay representation in the Court of Session and the Sheriff Courts has just been published, with submissions due by the end of August.
Families Need Fathers Scotland will submit our comments, including the organisations' experience of the McKenzie Friend system in England and Wales.
We would like to hear from anyone who is representing themself in the Scottish courts or acting as a lay assistant. Contact [email protected] or ring 0131 557 2440.