Legal Aid

Careys Law has a Family Legal Aid contract. We can provide legal advice and represent clients who are eligible for Legal Aid.

Unfortunately, due to Government changes, Legal Aid is not as freely available as it used to be.

In relation to different areas, we set out a short guide below about entitlement to Legal Aid.

Care Proceedings

There has been no change to this area. If you are a parent or a carer with parental responsibility and Social Services issue Court Proceedings or threaten Court proceedings (PLO proceedings) then Legal Aid is available. Your income and/or chances of success do not matter. You are automatically eligible. Corrinne Carey is an accredited member of the Law Society’s Children Panel and is very experienced in representing parents who face these issues with Children Services.

Other family members are not automatically entitled to Legal Aid as this will depend on financial means and the merits of your case.

Family Injunctions – Non-Molestation Orders

Legal Aid may be granted to enable an application for a Non-Molestation Order to be obtained but eligibility will depend on the merits of your case. There is also a financial element to eligibility regarding capital (savings/assets) and income, although regarding income, you may be eligible but a contribution may be payable.

Children Cases

To be eligible for Legal Aid (subject to the financial test) you need to be able to provide evidence of the following:-

• A Non-Molestation Order obtained against your opponent
• Evidence from a professional that you have suffered domestic abuse
• Evidence from a professional of child abuse by your former partner

As the wording has to be very specific to be accepted by the Legal Aid Agency, Careys Law can provide you with a template letter for completion.

If you are unsure about being able to obtain Legal Aid, then please do not hesitate to contact us.