Legal Aid

contracted with the legal aid agency

Legal Aid is still available in the following areas:

Domestic Abuse  |  Children (Private applications)  |  Divorce and Finances  |  Care

Step 1 – Evidence of Factual Eligibility

One of the following must be provided:

  • Letter from MARAC, a GP, health visitor, the Police, or Refuge demonstrating that they have been the victim of domestic abuse;
  • A Non-molestation Order granted in the previous 5 years;
  • A Restraining Order granted in the previous 5 years;
  • A criminal conviction for offences of domestic abuse;
  • A Domestic Violence Prevention Notice or Order within the last 5 years;
  • Bail conditions relating to domestic abuse within the last 5 years;
  • A Police Caution for an offence relating to domestic abuse within the last 5 years;
  • Where there have been previous court proceedings, an Undertaking given in respect of domestic abuse within the previous 5 years;
  • Where there have been previous court proceedings, finding of fact which have been made in respect of allegations of domestic abuse, within the previous 5 years.

Step 2 – Evidence of Financial Eligibility

Once the step 1 has been satisfied, consideration must be given to financial eligibility. The following may be taken into account by the Legal Aid Agency:

  • Capital;
  • Savings;
  • Valuable items; and
  • Income.

Clients will need to provide the following documentary evidence:

  • Proof of any state benefits from the job centre dated within the last 14 days;
  • Proof of any child and/or working tax credits;
  • A full three months bank statements for all accounts in their name; and
  • Three months wage slips, if applicable.

An application for Legal Aid can then be made on behalf of the client.