Gaining access to legal advice and representation is not always the easiest or most straightforward process. Getting to speak to a legal representative can also be a timely and costly process. The Legal Aid Agency was established in order to assist those who need help funding legal matters.

Making an application for funding to the Legal Aid Agency is a complex process, but we do the majority of the work on your behalf. The Legal Aid Agency set their own criteria to determine who is eligible for funding, and this is the evidence we require from you. The remainder of the application, however, is completed for you so you don’t have to worry.

The criteria include a cap on client’s disposable income and on the assets that are held. The main focus, however, is on there being evidence of domestic violence, and clients need to be in receipt of a passported benefit.

Passported benefits include income support, income-based job seeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, guarantee credit and universal credit.

Proof of domestic violence is required in the form of a police caution or conviction, a letter from a medical professional, a letter from a domestic violence refuge, documentation from domestic support services or a multi-agency risk assessment conference, a letter from social services, or a Court Order.

In order to assess eligibility, we also ask that clients provide 3 months’ worth of bank statements, documentation in relation to any savings or investments you may have, a financial agreement letter regarding any vehicles, your benefits award letter, any mortgage documentation, and any Legal Aid Agency paperwork if you have received Legal Aid in the past.

We collate this information and present a statement of case to the Agency, setting out why you require funding for access to legal assistance. We ensure that your application is the strongest it can be and exert our best efforts to obtain funding for your matter.

Family Court proceedings, in whatever form, are a stressful and emotionally turbulent time, but we work hard to minimise the grief and hassle that this can bring and make it as smooth a process for you as possible.

We are here to offer you a warm welcome, a dedicated service and a lovely cup of tea. Please contact our friendly team on 01249 444484 to see how we can help.

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