Legal Aid

[PinkFizz]

Does anybody know how much (or little )you would have to earn in order to qualify for legal aid?I mean,say you earned �20 k per annum would that be too much? Thanks in advance.x

[Ethel]

Very difficult to get Legal Aid these days, which is why there are so many 'no win, no fee' adverts on tv.

Useful info here:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/n6w/index/your_r ights/legal_system/help_with_legal_costs.htm#l egal_aid

[PinkFizz]

Thanks Ethel.Do you know why it is so difficult to get Legal Aid these days? Do they take into account your partners earnings or just the person applying?

[Ethel]

It will be both incomes, unfortunately.

There was a big shake up in the legal aid system in the mid 90s which clamped down heavily on legal aid.

The legal aid bill was massive and was misused by solicitors who quite frankly abused the system.

The result is it is very difficult to get legal aid unless you are charged with a criminal offence. Thankfully, the accused will always be entitled to free defence.

May I ask what you are seeking legal aid for?

[PinkFizz]

Hi Ethel/No its not me who is claiming legal aid.My partner is going through a lengthy process of splitting the proceeds of old house sale with his ex,then residency matters over their child.He has just had last months bill from his solicitor and we nearly died when we saw how high it was,then it made us think how on earth is his ex paying hers as it must be a similar amount.We know she earns about 20k and has just moved in with a new guy but I couldnt see him declaring his income to anybody and so wondered if she was infact getting legal aid and not paying any of her legal bill.

[Ethel]

A friend of mine is on benefits since she split with her ex-husband five years ago and is STILL paying her solicitors bill monthly.

She was not entitled to very much legal aid in her circumstances for the divorce/maintenance claim etc even though she had no independent income and had three children to support.

It's a very costly business.

[PinkFizz]

Morning Etherl - tell me about it!! Last month alone cost my parter/us �2500 in solicitors fees and court costs!!.

Its horrendous what they can charge - �555 of that was for the solicitor attending court with us for less than 2 hours!!

[raymond 42]

hi pink,
the law on legal aid recently changed, my son applied
for it to take his ex wife to court because she is keeping
his children from him,he has had a nervous breakdown,
he only gets �70 per week incapacity benefit.
his solicitor says unless your on income support, you will
have to contribute to the legal fees.
ray.

[PinkFizz]

hi Raymond.Well thats what i thought,but looking at the link that Ethel kindly posted,it reads that you have to earn less than roughly �2,300 per month,and have less that �8000 in savings,so im a bit confused!!