Legal Aid for Family Services in England and Wales: How Makin Dixon Solicitors Can Help
We help people across England and Wales with legal aid applications. Legal aid plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals can access justice, particularly in family law matters such as child custody, care proceedings, domestic abuse, and financial settlements. Legal aid provides the financial support needed for those who cannot afford to pay for legal representation, allowing them to receive expert advice and assistance in navigating complex legal proceedings.
Eligibility for Legal Aid: The Means and Merits Test
Legal aid is governed by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders (LASPO) Act 2012, which set out criteria for eligibility. There are two key tests involved:
The Means Test:
This test assesses an individual’s financial situation to determine whether they qualify for legal aid. It takes into account factors such as income, savings, and household circumstances. If your income is below a certain threshold, or if your savings are below a specific limit, you may qualify for legal aid. The means test is designed to ensure that legal aid is available for those who truly cannot afford private legal representation.
The Merits Test:
This test evaluates whether the case has sufficient legal merit to justify public funding. Essentially, the merits test examines whether there is a realistic chance of success in the case. If the case is deemed weak or unlikely to succeed, legal aid will not be granted. However, if there is a strong legal basis to your claim, the merits test should not be an obstacle to receiving legal aid. Sometimes legal aid gateway is also required and we can help you with that.
What’s Covered by Family Law Legal Aid?
Legal aid for family law cases can cover a range of legal services, including:
- Advice and assistance for financial settlements.
- Representation in child arrangements disputes (custody, contact, etc.).
- Protection from domestic abuse through non-molestation orders or occupation orders.
- Legal support in care proceedings, where the local authority is involved.
How Makin Dixon Solicitors Can Help You Access Legal Aid
At Makin Dixon Solicitors, we are dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access high-quality legal representation in family law matters. Our team of experienced solicitors will help assess your eligibility for legal aid, ensuring that all financial and merits tests are met. We will guide you through the Legal Aid Gateway process under the LASPO Act, assisting you in completing the required paperwork and submitting your application to the Legal Aid Agency.
Our solicitors will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine whether it meets the merits test for legal aid and will support you through the application process, ensuring that you have the best chance of receiving funding for your case.
Why Choose Makin Dixon Solicitors?
Makin Dixon Solicitors has a proven track record of success in family law cases. Whether you are seeking a fair financial settlement, protection from domestic abuse, or resolution of child arrangements, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you. Our legal team is skilled at building strong cases that meet the legal aid criteria, and we focus on delivering a personal, client-centred service designed to secure the results you deserve.
If you need legal aid in a family law matter, contact Makin Dixon Solicitors today. Our experts will assess your case and help you navigate the legal aid process with confidence, ensuring you receive the support you need during this challenging time.