You may believe that legal aid is no longer available for Family Law and that consequently you cannot afford a Solicitor or a Barrister to advise or represent you at Court. 

However, whilst this is correct in some cases, it may well not be the case for you.  Legal aid is still available, if you are eligible, for the following areas of Family Law:

  • Social Services involvement – Legal aid is automatically available to help those with parental responsibility when social workers are involved with their children.  However, it should be noted that for certain parts of the process and extended family members, receiving legal aid may be dependent on a means (financial) test and/or the strength of the case.  On contacting us, our experts will be able to advise on your legal aid eligibility.
  • Family mediation – To resolve disputes about children and/or finances around a relationship breakdown
  • Family Injunctions – Including non-molestation orders, occupation orders, orders under the Protection from Harassment Act and forced marriage protected orders
  • Under 18’s – Where the person needing legal aid is a child under 18 who is a party to family proceedings
  • International and domestic child abduction – Including to secure an order to prevent the unlawful removal of a child from the UK or to secure the return of a child unlawfully removed within the jurisdiction
  • Private children disputes – Where you have evidence of domestic abuse or child abuse
  • Divorce and finance matters – Where you have evidence of domestic abuse

Eligibility for legal aid in family proceedings

The Legal Aid Agency will take into account your eligibility for funding based on your means (i.e. how much money you have and earn), the strength of your case and they will also base their decision on the evidence that you provide.

Of course, if after assessment, we find that you are not eligible for legal aid, we can discuss options around fixed fees.

Speak to a member of our Family Law team for more information

Call our offices on 0191 567 0465 or Request a call back

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