10 August 2023
What is Legal Aid and could you be eligible for it?
Most people have heard of legal aid, but not everyone is aware of how it works and what the eligibility criteria are.
At JWP, we offer a free legal aid assessment for family law and criminal matters, so you’ll know for certain whether you are eligible for help paying for legal representation.
If you are eligible, legal aid can help meet the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation in a court or tribunal.
As a guide, you’ll usually need to show that: your issue requires legal advice/representation. your case is eligible for legal aid, and that you meet the criteria for financial eligibility in respect of your capital and income.
The following are matters for which you may be eligible for legal aid:
- Divorce / civil partnership dissolution
- Financial matters on divorce
- Separation (unmarried couples)
- Public law care proceedings
- If you or your family are at risk of abuse or serious harm, for example domestic violence or forced marriage.
- Special guardianship orders
- Non-molestation orders
- Occupation orders
- Private law children matters including child arrangements, specific issue and prohibited steps orders
- Family mediation
- If you’re bringing a case under the Human Rights Act, or
- If you have been accused of a criminal offence
Our expert solicitors will be able to advise whether an application for legal aid would likely be successful.
If you are not eligible for legal aid, your solicitor be able to discuss other options to take your case forward.
