We understand that when you are going through difficult and distressing proceedings, money is often the last thing on your mind. It is our commitment to provide you with quality legal advice at the best value possible.
Cases can be funded in the following ways
Your eligibility for legal aid depends on two factors, your means (finances) and the merits (the strength) of the case. When providing publicly funded services, it is our responsibility to ensure you meet the criteria for funding before we can provide you with assistance in your case.
The ‘means test’ requires us to confirm what benefits you are receiving, the details of any income you receive and the amount of capital you have, such as any savings or property you own. We are required to provide evidence of this to the Legal Aid Agency and so may ask you to bring documents such as bank statements, pay slips and benefits letters to our first meeting.
Some individuals may be entitled to non-means tested legal aid, for example those who are represented in proceedings before the First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health) and those who are challenging their detention under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Where we act for the person detained under the safeguards in a Section 21A Court of Protection application, there is no requirement to complete means forms. There are also special rules for those over the age of 60. We will advise you of these factors where they are relevant.
If you are unsure if you will be entitled to legal aid then you can check using the Legal Aid Agency’s eligibility calculator. If you have any questions, however, we can guide you through this process.
If you are not eligible for Legal Aid funding then we may still be able to advise and represent you privately. Our solicitors have different charge out rates depending on their experience, your personal means may also be a factor for consideration. Please ask your solicitor to confirm their rate and an initial costs estimate should you wish to instruct one of our solicitors on a privately paying basis.
It is often difficult to predict the total costs of a case at the beginning, however we will always be transparent about our costs and keep you regularly updated throughout the progression of your matter.