Am I eligible for Legal Aid?
What is Legal Aid? Legal aid can help meet legal costs of a client for...
Back to News and EventsWhat is Legal Aid? Legal aid can help meet legal costs of a client for...
Back to News and EventsLegal aid can help meet legal costs of a client for family matters, providing they meet certain criteria set by the Government.
Poole Alcock offer Legal Aid with all family matters, where a client is able to meet that criteria.
There are two types of legal aid funding we can assist you with, Legal Help and Public Funding.
Legal Help is the lowest level of funding, which covers basic advice prior to Court proceedings being issued, together with divorce matters.
Public Funding is the next level of funding and can be applied for when a matter goes to Court.
Poole Alcock offer Legal aid for the following family issues:
When looking to assess people for Legal Aid we need to look at your Merits and then Means
Unless you are applying for a Non Molestation Order or Occupation Order we will always require evidence of Domestic Abuse. What we can and cannot accept as evidence is set by the Legal Aid Agency and this is quite particular.
We will not be able to assess you (unless you are seeking a Non Molestation Order or Occupation Order) without this evidence
Most family cases will be means tested; so you will have to show that your income falls below the threshold that the Legal Aid Agency sets. You will be required to give information about your income, benefits, savings, property and shares and those of your partner.
For some cases you can get legal aid regardless of your financial means. Non-means tested legal aid is available if your child is subject of care or supervision proceedings.
In all cases, we require the following:
If you’re working:
If you are not working:
We will let you know throughout the application process if we need anything further and will discuss the merits of your case during your initial appointment.
Please be aware that the decision about whether you are entitled to Legal Aid is made by the Legal Aid Agency and not Poole Alcock.
If you have any questions about the stages of a Legal Aid application then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01270 613939 or via our contact form.