Legal aid for family law cases

“There is no legal aid in family cases anymore” – the incorrect myth that makes every family lawyer want to scream from the rooftops.

Whilst the guidelines that govern family legal aid were drastically reformed in April 2013 by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (‘LASPO’), public funding is still available in some family cases.  If you:

• have been the victim of domestic abuse and you need advice about protecting yourself from an ex-partner or family member, you can receive legal aid as long as you are financially eligible
• are a parent and your child is on a Child in Need Plan or Child Protection Plan, legal aid is also available if you are financially eligible
• have a child who you have parental responsibility for is subject to ‘pre-proceedings’ (sometimes known as PLO) or care proceedings, there is legal aid automatically available (regardless of your financial circumstances).

For other areas of family law including: child arrangements, divorce/separation, and dealing with finances when a relationship has broken down, legal aid can sometimes be available.  Legal aid is available for these cases if you have been, and can evidence, that you have been the victim of domestic abuse.  You may also be eligible if your legal issue involves a child and you can evidence that they are at risk of child abuse.

Family mediation is another service we offer at David Gray and legal aid is available if you are financially eligible (you do not have to have been the victim of domestic abuse or evidence a risk of child abuse).

We offer free financial assessments and can help you determine whether you qualify for legal aid.

Contact

If you have further queries in relation to eligibility then you should contact Louise Law on 0191 232 9547 to find out more information.