Legal aid cut 'damages children' says ex-judge

Children are being damaged by the rising number of estranged couples representing themselves in family court battles, a former judge has claimed.

Following cuts to legal aid the number of people representing themselves in Wales nearly doubled in a year from 2,574 in 2012/13 to 4,920 in 2013/14.

Crispin Masterman said cases took longer to settle without solicitors.

The Ministry of Justice said it recommended mediation as "quicker, cheaper and less stressful" than court.

Family courts are private hearings dealing with financial issues, residence, and access for separated parents to their children, in front of a judge or magistrates.

India Pollock reports.