Defender Liable to Pursuer on Legal Aid

pemalu

Hi

I was on legal aid to get divorced and now my divorce decree states 'finding the Defender (my ex) liable to the pursure (me) in the expenses of the cause as taxed.

My divorce took years mainly due to my solicitor being extremely slow, missing documents etc. I already paid Legal Aid Board some money when the case started but I think the final cost would have exceeded what I have paid.

Does anybody know if I'm supposed to obtain the money from my ex and pay Legal Aid, if so how? If not, what would be the process?

I don't feel like contacting my solicitor just now, too angry as it's been over a year that my decree is issued and I still haven't got my children's birth certificate etc back as they said they have to lodge with Legal Aid and it's taking time.

Thank you.

Caroline_a

What is it with solicitors being slow????? Try this http://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/

Molly41

Just get replacement birth certificates from the issuing Registrar.

pemalu

Caroline_a wrote: »

What is it with solicitors being slow????? Try this http://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/

It was very difficult to find solicitor who'd do legal aid for divorce cases in my town. I'm usually told that they already have a legal aid case in their book so cannot take any new client on legal aid. I suspect this is the reason my solicitor is being slow, to keep me on her book thus she doesn't take new client on legal aid. Thank you for the link, I might use it if I do get charged. If my ex is supposed to pay for the legal fees, I could do with not doing anything about it, too much on my plate already.

Yorkie1

Caroline_a wrote: »

What is it with solicitors being slow????? Try this http://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/

'Defender and Pursuer' terminology suggests Scotland to me. Your quote refers to the Ombudsman for England and Wales.

OP, I don't know the answer but have you already contacted the senior partner at the solicitors' firm you used, to complain?

That should be your first course of action. Even if you're angry there are processes to follow if you do want to complain.

rpc

Molly41 wrote: »

Just get replacement birth certificates from the issuing Registrar.

These are no longer as useful as the original documents. For ID purposes, it is not uncommon to find restrictions such as only accepting birth certificates issued before the first birthday.

As anyone can request a copy, recent ones aren't really proof of ID. The original one issued when the birth was registered obviously has a bit more weight.

pemalu

Yorkie1 wrote: »

'Defender and Pursuer' terminology suggests Scotland to me. Your quote refers to the Ombudsman for England and Wales.

OP, I don't know the answer but have you already contacted the senior partner at the solicitors' firm you used, to complain?

That should be your first course of action. Even if you're angry there are processes to follow if you do want to complain.

Thank you Yorkie. Do you know whether it means my ex has to pay me direct, if so how? Or if legal aid board will give him the bill and refund me?

Yorkie1

No, I don't know the answer - Scottish law is a different legal system to that in England / Wales.