Legal Aid
We have what is called a Legal Services Commission Specialist Quality Mark. It means we can undertake Legal Aid work in our Family and Criminal Departments. So, dependent on your circumstances, you may be able to use our expertise free of charge.
Our “Category A” supplier status means that our Family Law Department can issue their own Legal Aid certificate immediately in cases of emergency.
LSC Tender
We are delighted to have won a tender to provide more legal aid services. The following is a copy of a newspaper article.
More help for families in Chippenham
More vulnerable people facing domestic violence in Chippenham can now get help after Jeary & Lewis Solicitors in Market Place won a tender to provide more legal aid services in the area.
The expansion of the firm’s legal aid contract from the Legal Services Commission means that they will now be able to help more people, particularly in harder to reach communities.
Geoff Mountjoy, Regional Director of the Legal Services Commission’s South Region, said: “This is excellent news for the people living in the Chippenham area. We wanted to ensure that advice is available where families need it most and it can make a huge difference to their lives. The award of expanded contracts to skilled and dedicated advice providers, like Jeary & Lewis, ensures that more people who need help but can’t afford it will have access to high quality advice in their local area.”
Jeary & Lewis provide Court Orders for protection in Domestic Violence cases, Injunctions and help with problems involving family breakdown and children.
Cindy Ervine, Head of Matrimonial Department at Jeary & Lewis, said: “We have found an increase in the demand for our services over the last year, and legal aid help is limited in the area. This extension is really important to meeting the needs of our clients.”
“Anybody needing help on family matters, including financial settlements and arrangements with children can make an appointment with us by calling 01249 444484.”
Case study
Catherine Mills (not her real name), 37, was married with three young children. Her partner regularly subjected her to domestic violence, which their two-year old son, and five and six-year old daughters often witnessed. Catherine became deeply concerned about her safety and that of her children. She went to Jeary & Lewis for help.
Through the help of a Family Lawyer at the firm, Catherine was able to obtain an injunction to stop her partner molesting and assaulting her and the children. She also obtained an occupation order, which allowed her to remain living at the matrimonial home with her children, but excluded her partner from the address.
The service provided by Jeary & Lewis ensured that Catherine and her family were safe and allowed her to move forward with her life.
What is Legal Aid?
Legal Aid offers help to those who cannot afford Solicitor’s fees. Depending on your circumstances the Government will provide money to pay for some or all of your case. If you receive any money or property from a legal settlement the fees must be repaid.