Legal Aid and Divorce

ciare

I got married at 18, and left my husband at 20. Am now 28.

Last year I got up my courage to apply for a divorce, and found a solicitor who I thought would help me with the divorce, and I was granted legal aid.

I recieved a letter from my solicitor informing me that I would not be getting legal aid, no reason was given.

I dont know what to do, I cannot afford to pay for the divorce myself.

Does anyone have any advice. Can I find out why I am being told why I am not getting legal aid anymore.

jazzyjustlaw

Your post is a bit vague. Usually if you are not given legal aid now called public funding it is because you are not eligible due to too much income or capital. If you received it but it has stopped that may be because of a change of circumstances either because you have increased your income or for some other reason.

If you want to see if you are eligible look at the legal services commission website where there is an online calculator. Less and less are entitled to this these days and do not forget it might have to be repaid!!!!

hev_2

It is possible to do a straightforward divorce without a solicitor, especially if the money situation is sorted out. You do not mention children - if there are no children then it is even easier.

You can do it online or, which you may prefer, you can call into your local county court and ask about the forms and procedures. The court staff cannot give you legal advice but they can help you complete the form.

There is a fee for filing for divorce, and I think at the end as well. If you call into the court you can ask if you qualify to have the fees waived due to a low income or being on certain benefits.

You can use the grounds for divorce that you have been separated for more than five years and this cannot be contested.

Hope this helps and good luck.

something_girl

It may be because the solicitor has stopped providing Legal Services funding for divorce cases as the money they can claim back has been reduced a lot recently. You will need to shop around to find a solicitor who is still providing.