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Legal Aid Solicitors
Leonard Solicitors LLP is one of the few law firms on the South Coast contracted by the Legal Aid Agency. This means the costs of our legal advice and representation in a Court or Tribunal can be met by government funding – legal aid. But not everyone is entitled to this benefit so before contacting us we kindly ask that you read the information on this page.
We’re Accredited & Recognised Legal Aid Lawyers
Am I entitled to legal aid?
The Legal Aid Agency grants individuals funding to help meet the costs of legal advice and representation in a Court or Tribunal under certain conditions. These conditions are means and merit tested, and sometimes individuals are expected to contribute towards legal costs even if they are granted legal aid. We will assess your eligibility for legal aid upon taking your instructions but you need to be aware of the following before you contact us, otherwise, due to a high demand, your enquiry may not be responded to.
What type of legal cases does the Legal Aid Agency fund?
Our law firm provides advice and assistance under legal aid on certain types of cases involving family law, criminal litigation, and immigration and asylum.
We DO NOT work under legal aid for matters involving:
- Divorce and financial settlements (unless evidence of domestic abuse)
- Child arrangements (unless evidence of domestic abuse)
- Motoring offences without custodial sentences
- Private immigration matters (i.e., Leave to Remain applications)
- General litigation and housing (i.e., neighbour & landlord disputres)
- Disputed probate
- Employment disputes
However, we CAN provide advice and assistance under legal aid for these matters:
Certain family law matters
Family legal advice and assistance provided under legal aid falls into two categories, known as Public Law and Private Law.
Public law cases generally arise when a local authority, usually Social Services, intervenes in a family by bringing care proceedings, sometimes known as a Care Order. Legal aid for public law cases is generally automatically granted no matter your financial circumstances.
Private law cases typically involve disputes within families between partners and parents, however, you will only be entitled to legal aid if there is evidence of domestic abuse from an ‘associated person’. The action taken in these cases will aim to resolve separation and divorce, some financial remedies where children are involved and child arrangements.
Certain criminal law matters
Suspects who are under arrest at the police station will automatically be entitled to receive legal advice from a Duty Solicitor.
If you are charged with a criminal offence, you may have access to legal aid depending on the type of crime you are charged with and your financial circumstances. However, if your case is heard at the Crown Court, you are automatically entitled to legal aid, but you may have to contribute to any fees depending on your financial circumstances.
Entitlement for legal aid under criminal law is advised on a case-by-case basis.
Certain immigration matters
If you have come to the UK as an Asylum Seeker, or you are a victim of Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery, you may be entitled to legal aid. You will need to meet the financial criteria by supplying us with your income-related documents such as bank statements and proof of Asylum Support.
In most cases, those that arrive in the UK seeking asylum should receive support from the National Asylum Support Service, where you will need to prove your eligibility for legal aid with a letter from NASS dated within the last 6 months. If you are supported by a third party, for example, a friend or family member who has British citizenship or other Leave to Remain, we can explain to you the evidence required to establish whether you are entitled to legal aid on this basis.
What income evidence do I need to apply for legal aid?
Provided your legal case meets the criteria, you can submit proof of income to apply for legal aid. The Legal Aid Agency will assess your financial circumstances and whether you have a good case. Please do not assume that you are automatically entitled to legal aid because you receive state benefits or are on a low income, because this is not the case.
Proof of income for legal aid
To apply for legal aid, you will need to prove, in some cases, that you cannot afford to pay for legal services yourself. You can receive legal aid if you’re on a low income, have no savings or have savings below £8,000.
You can qualify for legal aid if you receive:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
- State pension
If you do not receive any of the above benefits, but your monthly income before tax is below £2,657 you can still be eligible. You will need to provide documents to confirm your income.
In support of your application to receive legal aid you may have to provide:
- Bank statements
- Wage slips
- Student grant/loan letter
- Pension statements
- Tenancy/mortgage agreement
- Tax credit awards
- Letter from NASS or local authority stating asylum receives support (Immigration only)
These are not required where an application for legal aid relates to care proceedings.
Not entitled to Legal Aid?
If you’re not entitled to legal aid, we make our legal services accessible with our competitive fixed fee arrangements and hourly rates. Find out more by visiting Legal Fees.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I know if I qualify for legal aid?
Eligibility depends on the type of case and your financial situation. Generally, you must have a low income or be receiving certain benefits, and your case must be within the scope of legal aid. You can check your eligibility using the GOV.UK legal aid checker.
What financial criteria must I meet to be eligible for legal aid?
Legal aid is means-tested. For civil cases, your gross monthly income must generally be below £2,657, with a disposable income under £733. For criminal cases, the thresholds vary, and you may be required to contribute to your legal costs if your income exceeds certain limits. Specific thresholds can be found on the GOV.UK website.
What evidence is required to prove eligibility due to domestic abuse?
Acceptable evidence includes police reports, court orders, medical records, or letters from support organisations confirming the abuse. This documentation is necessary to qualify for legal aid in cases where abuse is a factor.
Do I need to pay anything if I receive legal aid?
Depending on your financial situation, you may be required to contribute towards your legal costs. In some cases, legal aid covers all costs; in others, you might have to make payments during or after your case.
Can I get legal aid if I am not a British citizen?
Yes, legal aid is not considered a public fund, so individuals without British citizenship, including those with ‘no recourse to public funds’ status, may still be eligible, provided they meet the financial and case criteria.
How long does it take to be granted legal aid?
The time it takes to be granted legal aid depends on the complexity of your case and how quickly you can provide the required information and evidence (such as proof of income or evidence of domestic abuse). In urgent cases — for example, if a child is at immediate risk or you need an emergency injunction — legal aid can sometimes be granted the same day.
For non-urgent cases, it typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks once all the necessary documents have been submitted. We’ll guide you through the process and help make sure everything is submitted as quickly as possible.
How do I apply for legal aid through Leonard Solicitors?
Contact us to discuss your case. We will assess your eligibility based on the type of legal issue and your financial circumstances. If you qualify, we will will submit your application on your behalf.