This is followed by the associated lack of legal aid for most family law cases (17 per cent) and courts not being fit for purpose (14 per cent). Results from the annual Grant Thornton Matrimonial Survey indicate that these three issues are recurring major themes for family law professionals, with year-on-year consistency.

‘Not fit for purpose’

Nick Andrews, partner at Grant Thornton, commented: ‘The pace of change in factors affecting divorce proceedings over the past two years has been significant. The introduction of the single Family Court last year was a revolutionary step, yet professionals still remain concerned that the court system is not fit for purpose to support LIPs. Similarly, considerable reforms to pension legislation – arguably the most significant changes in a generation – are starting to reshape thinking when it comes to the division of assets.’