With all the media coverage about the dramatic reduction in the scope of legal aid since 1 April 2013, it is not surprising that there is confusion about the circumstances in which it is available. Legal aid for family matters is available for victims of domestic abuse. To obtain legal aid for a Non-Molestation Order (‘an injunction’) or an Occupation Order, evidence of domestic violence is not required. In other cases, such as assistance with children’s matters or financial matters relating to a relationship breakdown, evidence of domestic abuse must be provided to obtain legal aid.
For those who do not meet the new evidence criteria and so are unable to obtain legal aid, other options are available. One such option is a fixed-fee package. One of the main advantages of fixed fees is that they provide certainty about costs. ‘Advoca’, Lyons Davidson’s specialist child and domestic abuse division, has fixed-fee packages for children, and divorce and financial matters. All the costs are clearly set out on our website.
If you require any further information or a copy of our popular Flow Chart for Legal Aid Clients please contact Iona Phillips or a member of the Advoca team on 0117 904 5878 or email [email protected]
