Many parents assume that legal aid is no longer available for disputes about children. While legal aid is not available for every family law case, funding may still be available where certain circumstances apply.

If you are involved in a dispute about where your child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, or other arrangements for your child, our specialist Family Law Team can assess whether you may qualify for Legal Aid.

Who May Be Eligible?

You may qualify for Legal Aid if:

• You are involved in private law Children Act proceedings, such as a Child Arrangements application

• You, or your child, have experienced domestic abuse

• There is evidence that your child is at risk of abuse or harm

• You meet the Legal Aid Agency's financial eligibility requirements

Every case is different and eligibility, we will usually need information about your finances and circumstances, including:

• Your National Insurance Number

• Details of your income and employment

• Information about any benefits you receive

• Recent bank statements

• Details of any savings, investments or property you own

• Information relating to your family law matter

If your eligibility is based on domestic abuse or concerns about the safety of your child, we will also need to consider whether suitable supporting evidence is available.

What Evidence Can Be Used?

The Legal Aid Agency has strict rules about the evidence that can be accepted.

Depending on your circumstances, evidence may include:

• Police reports or crime reference information

• Court orders

• Social Services records or reports

• Medical evidence from healthcare professionals

• letters from domestic abuse organisations or support services

• Other documentation accepted by the Legal Aid Agency

The evidence requirements can be complex, so we recommend speaking to us before obtaining documents or paying for reports.

What Happens Next?

Our specialist Family Team can arrange an appointment to discuss your situation and carry out an initial assessment of your eligibility.

If you appear eligible, we can:

• Assess whether your case meets the Legal Aid criteria

• Advise you about the evidence required

• Prepare and submit your Legal Aid application

• Keep you updated on the progress of your application

If Legal Aid is granted, we can provide expert legal advice and represent you throughout your family court proceedings.

What If I Do Not Qualify?

If you are not eligible for Legal Aid, we can discuss alternative funding options, provide information about our private family law services and signpost you to other sources of help and support.

Speak to Our Birmingham Family Team

If you are involved in a dispute about your children and would like to find out whether Legal Aid may be available, contact our Birmingham Family Team today.

0121 643 4121

A member of our team will be happy to discuss your circumstances and help you understand the options available to you.