Court Costs and Legal Aid

Originally written by Dave Howell, updated by the editorial team on 8th July 2026

Understanding Court Costs

Taking a legal matter to court can be expensive. Court fees, solicitor charges and other costs add up quickly, and many people worry about whether they can afford to pursue a case at all.

The legal system in the UK recognises this problem. Various forms of financial help exist to make sure that lack of money does not prevent people from accessing justice. If you are concerned about affording court proceedings, several options are available before you decide whether to go ahead.

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What is Legal Aid?

Legal aid is government funding administered by the Legal Aid Agency that helps people who cannot afford legal costs. It can cover solicitor fees and certain court related expenses, though not all costs are included automatically. Some expenses may not be fully covered, and applicants are sometimes required to make contributions towards their case.

Legal aid is available for certain types of civil cases, though not all matters qualify. The type of case matters, as does your financial position and the likely outcome of your claim. Even where financial need is high, eligibility is not guaranteed.

To be considered for legal aid, you will usually need to show that:

Your income and savings fall below set thresholds
Your case passes the merits test, which considers the reasonable chance of success, public interest and importance of the case
The type of legal matter is covered by the scheme

There are limits on both earnings and assets. Eligibility is assessed based on gross income and disposable income after certain deductions, along with your capital. If you do not qualify for full legal aid, you may still receive partial funding. Current thresholds are published on GOV.UK and are updated periodically.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

How to Check if You Qualify

The government provides an online legal aid calculator that gives you a rough idea of whether you might be eligible. You enter details about your income, savings, property and the type of case you are dealing with. The tool provides an initial assessment, though it cannot guarantee eligibility.

This calculator is free to use and takes only a few minutes. You can find it on the GOV.UK website by searching for legal aid eligibility. A formal application through the Legal Aid Agency is needed before any funding is confirmed, and there can be delays in processing applications.

If the calculator suggests you may qualify, the next step is usually to contact a solicitor who offers legal aid services. Not all law firms do this, so you may need to search for one in your area. The Law Society and Citizens Advice can help you find legal aid providers near you.

Other Help with Court Costs

If you do not qualify for legal aid, other options may still be open to you. Some solicitors offer payment plans or fixed fees for certain types of work. Others work on a no win, no fee basis, though this arrangement is more common in personal injury claims and is not available for every kind of case.

You may also be able to apply for help with court fees through the Help with Fees scheme. This is separate from legal aid and covers the fees charged by the court itself, such as the cost of issuing a claim. Eligibility depends on your income and savings, and you apply directly to the court handling your case.

Citizens Advice and local law centres can offer free guidance on your options. They can explain what financial support might be available and help you understand whether pursuing a court case makes sense in your circumstances.

Before taking any legal action, get a clear picture of the likely costs involved. Ask any solicitor you speak to for an estimate of fees at the outset. This helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected bills later on.

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125 questions

Ask Courtroom Advice a Question

Tintinout 18/05/2021 at 1:34 pm

I collided with a guy playing rugby. He broke a cheekbone and his nose. Now I'm being pursued for compensation. It was an accident on the rugby pitch. Yet what am I to do? I can't afford a solicitor. I'm pretty much done for. Is there any advice anyone would care to offer?

Thanks

Pauly 17/03/2021 at 5:09 am

I have just over the £8000 limit for legal aid other than than I only get a state pension. My question if say I employed you one I had paid some of my account could I reapply for legal aid? Also my wife has alleged domestic abuse. Is that something you could help me defend?

Beau 27/02/2021 at 11:49 am

Hi I'm confused my sister has legal aid regarding a custody case with her son and ex husband.aparently she said that her solicitor rang saying she needed 150 to proceed with the finding a fact hearing.i thought legal aid meant that she didn't have to pay anything due to legal aid.im confused can anyone explain this thank you

Fran 18/02/2021 at 10:03 pm

Can a parent get financial support to attend court when their 13yr old child is on trial

Boys 21/12/2020 at 8:25 pm

Hi I just have questions my ex not coming regularly but he is still welcome in my home but I have problem with older son he have therapist is all over the place but my ex want the kids Boxing Day at his house I try explain that is not good idea yet kids need more time and he is not happy so is blackmail me with court because I said no for one night what can I do he need understand that I do want our son get better and if we go court I m single mum with 3 kids I don’t have money for lawyers can you help me please

Eli 14/12/2020 at 9:40 am

I took my ex to court for a non molestation order for domestic abuse. I received legal aid. He paid his legal team.
Anyway the judge didn’t believe me and he was ordered his money to be paid back to him about £7000 and it had to go to I think a head commissioner (something like that.)
My ex is now using that he is paying the loan back as the courts didn’t pay him as ordered by the judge.
Once ordered by a judge can it be turned down that his paid back??
I’m sure his just using this information to upset me and make me feel guilty. Deep down I believe his been paid back.
It is none of my business but it keeps being thrown in my face at every opportunity and would like to know how if it’s true.

Lindy 01/09/2020 at 4:18 pm

Hello if someone contests a will and accepts an out of Court payment would this be classed as an inheritance we are talking about over a million pound's than you

Pete 08/08/2020 at 8:18 am

My children's mother has stopped my children from coming to my house as my new partner has a dog who stays with us and my son has eczema. I am now be limited to 2 hour park visits with my children and feel discriminated against as my son has not had a reaction to the dog and my house is kept clean. I am desperate to have some normal contact with my boys and am terrified I won't be able to see them at Xmas. I work full time and don't claim universal credit, but I don't have a disposable income more than £100 per month. Can I get help???

Monk 12/07/2020 at 1:42 pm

If I'm on benefits can I get legal aid for slander a care home lied about me when visited my friend which has lasting affects meaning local authority are saying I'm a risk . It's untrue effected me still dose mentel health which never suffered from before he lied said a safeguarding on me too . Which didn't exist and local authority wouldn't tell me it didn't can't express how this has affected me will for rest of my life . all I want to do is clear my name as Seriouse implications on my contact with my friend I'm no risk .

Sasa 27/06/2020 at 12:07 pm

My husband is to go to court on a criminal case. This involves the period before we met. Am I obliged to contribute to his legal fees as he is now a pensioner.

The legal aid says because I work I should contribute. Beside they calculated in a way which leaves us with only £300 a month and how do I then pay bills? Do I have a legal right to refuse?

ruby 05/06/2020 at 10:09 pm

I have suffered enormous amounts of stress from my child's school. He started secondary school in September 2019. Since then it has been a nightmare my son has been receiving exclusion after exclusion and now he has been permanently excluded. He was on the SEN register since 2017 but nobody had taken actions to why his behaviour has been unacceptable . I was called into school every week to discuss behaviour. The school hadn't contacted outside agencies or other professionals to see the exact cause for behaviour. After so much tension and stress I decided to get him assessed by a private educational psychologist. He was diagnosed with severe ADHD and some additional learning needs.
I am extremely disappointed by the schools assumptions that his behaviour was a cause of bad parenting and he was perfectly normal. I am disgusted by the behaviour of the Head towards me and my family.

Tats 18/05/2020 at 10:45 pm

I had a glass of wine and drove my car to a friends house and on way there I had a puncture I carried on driving till I got there and had another 2 glasses of wine .
Unbehole to me I was reported ant 25 minutes later I was arrested for drink driving.
I only work part time and cant afford a solicitor, am entitled to legal aid .

Tiger1003 06/05/2020 at 3:13 am

My partner recently passed away but had no will. I've lived with him for 22 years but he had started to buy the house approx 6 months before we met so it is in his name only. I moved in 6month later and we have payed off the house early. As theres no will am I entitaled to anything as his brother seems to think I'm not as we were not married and it's not in a will. But my hard earnings for the past 20 years have contributed surely...

Mom1 10/12/2019 at 9:50 am

My wife filed for non molestation order against me and has lied so i can't even see our daughter with out going through her solicitors. I was abused and cant get legal aid i need help. I have a fact finding hearing early next year

Jj 27/11/2019 at 1:37 pm

My wife has fabricated domestic abuse in an attempt to stop me seeing my son. The problem is that she is the abuser and I have factual evidence for all the lies she has told. She has submitted no evidence whatsoever. The problem is that she ia getting legal aid and I am not so it's very expensive. I am talking up to £40k!!.

I went to court today and refused any undertaking whatsoever because I want to present evidence to prove that she is a persistent liar she is actually the abuser. I want to inform the legal aid authorities that she is abusing the system.

Is there a way to do that?

Jenna 17/09/2019 at 2:13 pm

Hi. I left an abusive relationship 3 months ago and applied for legal aid in order to take out a non molestation order against my ex. The solicitors team rang back asking about my bank accounts and I thought I had given them all my details. We went to court and shortly after the legal aid people enquired about an account I had forgot to declare. My head was all over the place after the split and it was an honest mistake on my behalf (the account only had £30 in it). I supplied them with the informant and they sent me a legal aid certificate. I received a letter today advising me that my certificate is under review as I hadn't given all the information when required and that it may be revoked. I can't afford solicitor or court fees. What help can I get?

Happynana 17/07/2019 at 6:12 pm

Hi my son wants to go for access to his children but his ex is messing him around with access can he get legal access and will he get any help he is on esa thanks

Olieli 04/03/2019 at 9:21 pm

Had a very abusive and violent ex husband that had a law degree. Proceeded to court in 2006 he having been diagnosed with a paranoid personality disorder and a querulous litigant, he being also a litigant in person. Six years later after numerous appearances all sorts of allegations within the care act about my disabled children and my care he was stopped from seeing them. I got 65k costs and he never complied to any order, so never recieved any financial contribution, not even legal costs he owed me of 11k. Legal Aid Agency put charge on house that I am not able to contribute to as I'm a full time carer, today it stands at 83k. Ex has now died with no estate even thought he worked for many years. Financial abuse to the extreme and the courts allowed this to happen to me. Have tried everything to freeze interest on property as in the passage of time there will be nothing left, it seems it's okay for victims of domestic violence to be treated this way.

Rob 25/01/2019 at 1:10 am

Hello, I would just like to make an enquirie would I be able to get legal representation to dispute a school exclusion against my 13yr old daughter on legal aid, she had a managed move to a different school and it failed, so the proposed school sent her back to her home school, but her home school will not allow her back into the school, the school has told me that she is not excluded and they will not allow her back at the school but have put her on an AP (alternative programme) any legal help would be very much appriciated. Thank you in advance. Rob

CourtroomAdvice Editor 01/06/2018 at 2:51 pm

You can see more whichwhich should help answer your question.

Hells 28/05/2018 at 6:52 pm

I have been separated from my husband 2 years gone February. I'm wanting a divorce but I'm unable to pay the costs as I'm unemployed at present.. would I be able to recover legal aid to cover all the cost of the divorce..

Jayne 30/03/2018 at 6:03 pm

My ex husband who I’m separated from has taken me to court over our daughters. They had told him about an occasion when my sister visited from Australia they didn’t see him and two other dates when they where Ill and off school.
I don’t have any contact with him because he is aggressive and rude to me.
The other time when it was the girls birthday he had them the weekend and it was the girls birthday on the Monday. No arrangements of him seeing them had been made so I had no idea.
He now wants me to pay the legal fees of £1000.
I struggle financially and don’t have any savings.
I have not turned up in court and won’t the next time due to working.
Will I have to pay his legal fees?

Mixxy 01/03/2018 at 9:51 pm

I have recently been to a children's safeguarding conference where I found out the mother of my son and grandmother have been acussing my son and his sister of lying at school about a abusive partner . I heard how both of the children spoke of abuse and it was covered up and allowed to go on .
I gave PR and have a contact order she's broken. Can you give me some advise on what to do as social services are not really doing anything and I want my son in a safe environment ?
Many thanks

Femz 20/02/2018 at 12:26 pm

Hi I am a foreign national with temporary admission to the U.K. (no immigration status) waiting the outcome of my application at the home Office,
My ex partner has taken me to court for an alleged criminal damage to her car, which I was found guilty of in the magistrates court. Do I have to pay for the costs of solicitors? It has been forwarded to crown court, and do I have to pay if I want to appeal the conviction??

CourtroomAdvice Editor 04/01/2018 at 9:54 am

Many parties, both fathers and mothers have had no choice other than to become litigants in person after the withdrawal of public funding for the majority of private law children applications. The emphasis currently is to keep parents out of the courts and, since the Family Justice Review in 2011, the Government has been focusing on funding dispute resolution services such as mediation. Mediation is usually requested by the courts prior to any court application as a way of encouraging parents to try to come to a solution mutually. While the courts prefer parents to negotiate between them with regards to contact and access, sometimes parents are not in agreement, in such cases it can be passed to the court to decide. As the court’s main concern is the welfare of the child in question, the court will always put the child’s best interests first and this main issue will determine the outcome of any application for an order. If the parent is representing themselves in court, then litigants in person must be treated equally before the law and have equal access to justice. Judges have a duty to ensure a fair trial by giving them due assistance to achieve this. Sometimes parties act alone and sometimes they can have the; 'right to reasonable assistance' of a McKenzie Friend. You can see more via which

Rr 03/01/2018 at 2:14 pm

Ex is taking me to court for custody he's not on bc I can't afford a lawyer as single mum on benefits..is there any help.out there for me please

AidD Editor 05/10/2017 at 10:56 am

@Tea - no, but if it goes to court, she could get landed with the court costs if she doesn't comply. It depends upon whether she is actually entitled to any financial settlement i.e if she helped towards a deposit or not, or put any money into the house. Just because she signed an agreement, where that agreement isn't legal it means she can at any point change her mind. If she is just being generally awkward or bullish then the court might slap the costs on her. The only problem is, it will cost either way if the matter ends up in court. Hopefully...your solicitor has laid out the implications of what might happen if she doesn't respond.

Tea 04/10/2017 at 1:20 pm

5 years ago I got a mortgage with my ex,she left after 14months and signed a legal agreement to transfer her legal estate in return of me drawing up a new mortgage in my name and freeing her of the debht...as I was changing from imployed to self imployed the bank requested 3years of books (proof of income) Recently I have drawn up and payed for the new mortgage at her request this April (as she is trying to declare bankrupsy and needs to come off) but she is refusing to sign over the deeds without a financial agreement...? Therefor folding on the agreement signed by her in 2013 when she left . I am paying a solicitor to deal with the matter and write a final letter (as she has ignored the transfer of estate doc sent prior by the mortgage solicitor)
Can I sue her for unnesisary spendature on my behalf as this is her creation and request yet folding on the agreement?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 02/10/2017 at 3:01 pm

Unless there has been confirmed domestic violence involved, you would not be able to get Legal Aid. Legal Aid is incredibly rare these days as has all but been ablolished. The aim now is to direct parties in private law cases to mediation rather than funding them to proceed to court. Court is now seen as a last resort where all other methods through mediation have failed. Despite all the funding for mediation however, there is no guarantee that it will work. So if a case does proceed to court, you can self-litigate, if you cannot afford legal representation. Litigants in person must be treated equally before the law and have equal access to justice. Judges have a duty to ensure a fair trial by giving them due assistance to achieve this.

Losa 30/09/2017 at 10:06 pm

After mediation failed my husband has now applied to the court for joint custody of our 13 yr old daughter.
I Am single mom and cannot afford a solicitor.Can I get legal aid?

Paul w 27/04/2017 at 4:25 pm

Hi, I have just received a letter from legal aid 5 years after going to court stating I owe a contribution. My question is: how long do they have to actually send an invoice before it surely becomes a written off debt?

Debs 21/04/2017 at 9:25 pm

My childrens dad has died, he has property in France but they need a solicitor to sort out inheritance. My daughter is 18 and my son is 17 both in full time education can they get legal aid for this

CourtroomAdvice Editor 28/03/2017 at 12:51 pm

You may be able to force your ex to sell the property (if it is co-owned). You would have to seek legal advice regarding this.

Debbie 27/03/2017 at 6:43 pm

I have been divorced for a number of years now, had a joint mortgage with my ex husband..6 years ago I agreed a settlement figure (out of court)and to date i have not recieved a penny..we have 18 year old twins...he has been living in (our) marital home with his partner for over 2 years...they are both financially stable and I'm struggling on benefits...i don't even know if I am entitled to anything anymore..frustrated #understatement/shortstraw

Rich 15/02/2017 at 5:30 pm

I didn't get legal aid cos I had savings. Judge ordered costs be paid on my acquittal last year. Central Funds have paid my travel and accommodation costs but none of my legal fees. Should I be pressing for these?

cb 03/02/2017 at 11:47 pm

My ex want to take me court he has restraining order so he cant contact me now i have his family verbual abusing me.. what right does he have if his name not on his birth certificate

debs 29/12/2016 at 3:11 pm

Can anyone advise. My solicitor told me I was refused legal aid at start of family court case. I applied again when made redundant. Was told I was refused again. At end of court case I paid my solicitor and all court fees approx £16000. I then get a letter today, few years after case has finished, the letter is from legal aid saying my certificate has just been cancelled on 22nd dec 2016. On ringing them they tell me I was entitled to legal aid the whole way through the court case. What do I do to get my money back as my solicitor has made an error and given me wrong information. Solicitor has taken all that money from me and now I'm told I shouldn't of had to pay it . Help needed please

Becky 13/12/2016 at 3:02 pm

My ex husband abused me for six years in court up to three days per week. Child welfare hearings and a criminal conviction. What is an estimate price he will pay back as legal aid are clawing it all back

CourtroomAdvice Editor 15/11/2016 at 11:13 am

If you receive a summary bill from your solicitor, you may ask for a bill containing detailed items within three months. If you disagree with the bill you have received, and you think the charges are unfair, then you can complain via the Law Society

Kev 14/11/2016 at 2:11 pm

I have been charged 282 quid from legal aid for a lawyer who didn't help me and sent me countless letters most were pointless. I don't feel I owe nothing as I received no help and feel ripped off!!! How can I fight this?

Caroline walker 28/10/2016 at 10:03 pm

My son pays every week for his daughter but now his ex wont let him see her he used 2 hav her every weekend his ex is always stopping and starting when something doesnt go her way but this time its been 3 weeks and hes getting really down about it he doesnt earn much what can he do 2 see his little girl

ki 11/10/2016 at 5:14 pm

Hi do you know if children's savings are taken into account when applying for legal aid

Survivor 06/10/2016 at 10:04 pm

3 years of domestic abuse. Fled the former marital home with very young child in tow. 4 years in family courts facing application after application from my ex for unsupervised contact, residence order, my mental health assessment, psychological assessments. Total cost of legal representation for myself to secure my safety and that of my very young child from this evil monster - £ 80,000. Never took a break, been Working full time to pay it all back. £50k paid off, £30k left to go. We are safe and away from this madman but I live in financial hell. The legacy of financial abuse he meted out in the courts over 4 very long and terrifying years.

Paul 03/10/2016 at 3:32 pm

Hi there I need help with this one I was told that I wasn't eligible for legal aid although I still can't afford it and talking to the mothers of my children is impossible is there anything else that I can do thanks

Paul 03/10/2016 at 3:28 pm

Hi there I have recently been told I am not eligible for legal aid although I still can't afford it and talking to the mothers of my children is impossible I dnt know what to do now can anyone help me thanks

MJB 23/09/2016 at 8:12 pm

I am so worried! My son lives with his mother and I only see him a couple of hours at the weekend! He as been missing school which I was asked to attend a meeting about,I didn't go because I was working. The second meeting I was present and it was productive,I thought it was all done with,but I've got a summons to attend court. I am working from 6.30 to 5.30 at night,I pay his maintenance money each week and I've got this nasty feeling I'm going to prison for something that's out of my control,I'm so worried about this and don't now what to do,plead guilty or not guilty

B 26/08/2016 at 12:13 pm

Hello, I went to a solicitor to represent me in a criminal case that i committed, i spoke to them twice in their office, one of them came to the police station with me for bail conditions then came to court for one appearance where i was fined and given a community order, this ended the case, there was no legal aid due to my wages, they are now trying to bill me for £1000 for their services, is this a fair price or I am i getting ripped of?

Cheryl 02/07/2016 at 12:07 pm

I have left my abusive ex but have no money for a solicitor to get a divorce or financial settlement. I called civil legal advice but they said because my name is also on the mortgage I can't get legal aid.
Is this true if the only assets I have are tied up with the person I am trying to divorce?
He has a solicitor and money. I have no money, having left work to raise our kids and he never supported me going back to work.
I need to protect my kids future but with no money, what do I do?

L89 01/07/2016 at 3:56 pm

I have recieved a legal aid invoice after my ex took me to court for seeing his children however I had always agreed he Seen them and I was the one that went to a solicitor to get a perminant routine in place for them as he wouldn't turn up on days he was ment to before.

I offered mediation several times through the solicitor he refused and wanted to take me straight to court after applying to legal aid 3 times he got it and went on and got the court case.

The court case was very brief as everything he had asked for I was more than willing to give how ever he prolonged to give dates and times for his holidays and refused to agree to the Christmas agreement which was more than fair until the court date came.

The court date can and he then agree fed before we went into the room the dates for his holidays and also accepted the terms I put forward for Christmas Day with me compromising with him.

How ever he refuses mediation on so many occasion which would of avoided court. He doesn't pay for his children hasn't done for over a year Csa have hopefully caught up with this time I'll be surprised if they have. He then gets a court case and I have to pay the fees of £2054.00 being a single parent with two girls working a part time job. How is this fair?!?

Is there anyways of not being elegible to pay these fees?? as I tried to avoid court and expense of it at all costs by offering mediation and trying to agree everything he wanted in his court action before the date I am struggling to see how this is justice with a legal system and with a difficult ex that I am left to defend on my own financially and he gets to put me in more debt deliberately.

CourtroomAdvice Editor 16/06/2016 at 11:21 am

He may be able to do this. However, if you have an issue you cannot resolve between you, the court is likely to suggest Mediation in the first instance. Court is allowed only as a last resort.

nnn 15/06/2016 at 10:29 am

my partner says he's taking me to court for my son he dosent work and is on the sick and hes not in his right mind at the moment can he do this am so worried

drogo 11/06/2016 at 6:54 pm

My ex-husband is taking me to court regarding our marital home which me and his children still live in, and I am paying full mortgage however he is named on the mortgage deeds and contributes nothing.
He believes it is worth approx £100k so I have been advised by my solicitor to get 3 estate agent quotes - each quote came between £42k to £48k, and there is also a debt of approx £18k still to pay, yet despite my solicitor advising his solicitor of this, the court case has still not been dropped.
I have to pay to attend the court (£65) and would have to pay approx £250 if I wanted my solicitor there, however my ex is claiming Legal Aid even though there is nothing to gain from even focing me to sell the house apart from my children and I being homeless and in debt, and my ex having half of the £18k debt of the negative equity.
Can my solicitor represent me and claim his cost from the other side's Legal Aid fund?
Should my ex's solicitor even be pursuing this for the fact that there is nothing to gain at all from it and therefore wasting their own legal time?

Jane 09/06/2016 at 5:26 pm

My ex-fiance ended our engagement about 2 months before we were to be married and I have now been left with a substantial wedding costs, about £15,000, and would like to know if there is any way I can get that money back from him? There was no agreement between us to share the payments but I feel it is very unfair to have meet foot this bill

CourtroomAdvice Editor 09/05/2016 at 12:19 pm

In this instance I suggest you call the Disability Law Service, link herewhich can provide information, advice and assistance to those with disabilities. Its advisers can inform you of your options and to see whether you can get any help in court.

JBulm 08/05/2016 at 3:12 pm

I require a DNA test to prove whether I am a father or not. I tried speaking to different solicitors but they all told me that legal aid is no longer available for family law matters, and suggested that I either I go to mediation, or apply to the court and represent myself. Unfortunately both these are out of the question due to me suffering with a disability and mental health issues. I am really stuck as to what to do next and to be honest am quite disgusted with the new system, which is the fault of the government, in fairness to any solicitors who maybe reading this. Is this how the government treats disabled people? By denying them a simple human right such as legal representation?

stig 07/05/2016 at 12:43 pm

I'm currently in the middle of a divorce, if I do go to court about the financial decision as we both can't agree do the fees have to be paid up front or can they be taken out of the proceeds.

Kin 28/04/2016 at 5:33 am

My legal aid want me to make a contribution of 1700£ monthly for five month. Which there is no way i can afford that. I earn 1800 every month after working more than 62hours every week. I have a child to look after and sick old mother. Please can i withdraw or cancel the legal aid and represent myself in court. There id no way I would be able to afford this legal aid. I need your advice pls

ffj 21/04/2016 at 8:25 am

Hi

My question is exploratory regarding how to go about bringing an action against my daughters mother. On a recent phone call she used inappropriate language to my daughter which, I believe, was defamatory against me. My relationship has deteriorated recently with my daughter (9) and I feel that it's a direct result from actions of the mother. Although tentative in my approach regarding potential action I would ask if there have been (or could be) anything done? I also have substantive proof of aforementioned call.

CourtroomAdvice Editor 18/04/2016 at 12:45 pm

It is unlikely he will be entitled to Legal Aid as it is very thin on the ground these days. However, if he is financially insolvent he will be entitled to self-litigate, which is what many non-resident parents are forced to do now Legal Aid has been removed in all but certain cases.

Angel 17/04/2016 at 2:26 pm

My ex husband wants to stop me emigrating to New Zealand. He has provided no financial moral or emotional support to our 3 children for 7 years. He was convicted of arson and sexual assault in this time. He isn't working and is becoming increasingly a nuisance in the town. Is he entitled to legal aid to take me to court to keep the children in the UK?

phoza 17/04/2016 at 7:55 am

I need advice.snc I hav applied a guadianship at legal aid rustenburg on 2014 until now nothing happened I ddnt get it.nd I need soon as possible.pls help

CourtroomAdvice Editor 07/04/2016 at 11:03 am

You need to act upon this as soon as possible. I suggest you at least get a solicitor's letter requesting the settlement otherwise you will take legal action. If you cannot afford solicitor's fees then you can self-litigate (although, you will have to pay for the letter but it's worth it if it gets a result and some free legal advice). The Bar Council gives a good guide on how to represent yourself in court here. It may sound daunting, but if you research your case and options well and seek as much free advice as you can, then you should be able to get your mediation order enforced. Please also see Advice Now link here which may help answer some of your questions and the gov.uk site here. Get as much advice as you can before you make your move and then ensure you get the ball rolling to help obtain your settlement. I hope this helps.

leahw2222 06/04/2016 at 7:48 am

Am looking for some advice, My ex husband and I reached a mediation settlement quite some time ago which included contact time with children, maintenance for them, a chunk of a pension plan and a lump sum of money as myself and the children no longer reside in the family home. A time frame was set for the financial side which was around six months.......that was two and a half years ago, and I'm still waiting for the settlement, I no longer qualify for legal aid and really can't afford the solicitor fees and my ex knows it, he refuses to discuss it.......What can I do?

RAFatc 25/03/2016 at 9:33 pm

I lost a civil case and was evicted from my home. Since then I have found out 1. that the judge viewed my property 2 weeks before the case started. 2.the judge was shown around my property by the Plaintiffs solicitor who is also a deputy district judge. 3 the court bundle was only partial as important documents were missing. 4.their expert witness report turned up on the 2nd day of the trial and was only a character destruction of me. 5. statements made by the plaintiff were lies and the dates changed.6.as the case began my solicitor informed the judge that both sides expert witnesses agreed that the building work was in breach of B.Regs, H&S 1974, CoP and the work was outside B.Standards and the roof leaked.He further said that the judge had visited the property which the judge said he did but couldn"t recall who he went with. My solicitor said there was no case to answer but the judge ignored this and after 4 days I was evicted.

CourtroomAdvice Editor 02/03/2016 at 10:17 am

It depends upon the situation. If you used his name by forgetting to change it once you split up, then he would have nothing to gain from taking you to court, unless you were in debt and he was not responsible. Also, if you used his name illegally and did not pay your water bill, and he is listed as being liable for the debt, then yes he can take it to court. However, it's difficult to advise on properly, as you have given very little detail.

chocco 01/03/2016 at 6:03 am

I was with my partner for 16 years never married but used his name on my water bill now we seperated he wants to take me to court for fraud can he do this

Ricy 26/02/2016 at 1:44 am

My local council have been taken bedroom tax for three years when my daughter was at uni and unknown to me they shouldnt have as my daughter came back for holidays and it is still her home.I am a single parent and have been on sick pay waiting for an opp since last year.I have appealed to my council and they keep saying i have missed the appeal date but i didnt know until lastmonth that they were wrong to take the bedroom tax! Please can you help me

Slater 13/02/2016 at 12:39 am

Hi

I suffer with mental health problems, I have to go to court but can't afford a taxi and can't use Train/Bus due to health.

How do I get there and how do I pay it?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 11/02/2016 at 12:36 pm

I am sorry to hear this. Becoming engaged to be married is similar to entering into a contract in as much as there is an offer and an acceptance. In the UK an engagement is not seen as legally binding as you cannot force someone to either stay engaged or proceed with a wedding ceremony. However, much depends on the financial agreement and whether the you agreed with your ex for the finances to be split or not. If you both agreed to share the costs, then you may have a case to answer in the small claims court. You would have to be able to prove that your ex agreed to pay part of the costs etc. If you agreed to pay for the wedding yourself, or your parents did (as is traditional), then I'm afraid there may not much you can do. I suggest you take some legal advice.

Mika 10/02/2016 at 10:21 pm

Hi.
Looking for some advise please.
My ex partner ran off with some woman 4 weeks before we were due to be married. He quite happily let me pay for everything totalling nearly £9000. He watched me make lots of the stuff and even had a clothes fitting the week before. Is there any way I could take him to court to reclaim some of my list money? Obviously he had no intention of going through with it even though he was showing all the encouraging signs.

Chin 19/01/2016 at 7:09 pm

I currently have a legal aid certificate. The other party in the case has made an offer to me not to pursue the matter further, so to avoid court. In response my solicitor has put a counter offer for more money. My question is what percent of an award will I have to pay back? I understand I may be asked to pay back something to legal aid but my solicitor has vaguely suggested a charge but nothing specific, which doesn't help. What is the point of being compensated for damages if I will end up paying all of it back. If I am awarded £5000 how much do you think the charge would be from your experience? I am on benefits and not working at the moment.

CourtroomAdvice Editor 19/01/2016 at 2:28 pm

If LAA thinks you can repay all the money straight away, it will ask. If your girlfriend cannot pay then she may be able to agree a monthly payment arrangement. However, the LAA charges interest currently
8% on the amount she would owe. I hope this helps.

Wayne Graystone 18/01/2016 at 10:01 pm

Hi

I dont know if anyone can help. At the end of December 2014 my girlfriend's ex-partner made an accusation that she had adbucted her son and brought him to England. This feel under the Hague convention and subsequently had to be tried in the High Court. She applied for Legal Aid and had initial certificate granted. She had initial hearing where case was heard and in this her ex-partner made it clear that he had granted permission for my partner and her child to come to the country. He changed story and there was then move for this to move from abduction case to Family Court case. Unfortunately Legal Aid revoked assistance under claim that her disposable income was too high. This was due to me lending her money in period before case began. It was pointed out that hey had miscalculated and then they decided to include the oldest child college money which managed to just push it over the threshold. Solicitor felt they were unreasonable, complained but eventually he said he could do no more. Result was second hearing she went to court without legal representation and the case was moved to Family Court as a contact issue. My partner did not speak great English at that time and so did not and I do not know whether she could claim her fees back,
Subsequently, one year later she has received bill for £9300 and has no way to pay this. She is on minimum wage 14 hour contract a week. Any advice appreciated as she has been given 21 days to reply and Im trying to find the best way forward for her

Regards
Wayne

Discruntled 17/01/2016 at 9:21 pm

Hi please could you advise me on the normal time scale for expenses for a witness in a court case held in Scotland please? I was cited as a witness on two occasions last January and February for the same case and still not received my travel expenses etc. The case was through Legal Aid if that makes any difference? I keep being told that the hold up is with them (LA) by the solicitors in Scotland but it is now almost twelve months which seems ridiculous?
Thanks

CourtroomAdvice Editor 08/01/2016 at 2:48 pm

I am sorry to hear this. You can self-litigate, please see article; Legal Aid Withdrawal: How to Represent Yourself, here. The Bar Council also has a very good guidance leaflet here. Many fathers are having to take this route and if they prepare their cases well are finding a good amount of success as they can put their own reasoning across. I hope this helps.

George 08/01/2016 at 12:26 pm

My ex partner is taking me to court for assault she is doing this as a way to stop me from seeing my son whom I haven't had any contact with for nearly two months, she had told many lies about me making my life very difficult. I cannot afford to pay for a solicitor and I don't think I qualify for legal aid although I am on a low income. My court date is approaching what can I do.

heartbroken 19/12/2015 at 9:52 am

My father has just been buried after a sudden passing and my mother, who is planning to get married next year even though she wasn't divorced from my father, whom has been estranged from the family home for double figures has came back and is controlling everything on my fathers estate. She hasn't told me anything about his documents that were left in the event of death. I am currently residing in England and my fathers estate is in northern Ireland. I do have an older sister but I am my fathers first born. What rights do I have so I know that my older and younger sister and grandchildren are protected and would I be able to do anything?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 23/11/2015 at 11:45 am

I am sorry to hear this. Christmas is one of the busiest time for Family Law courts and you have to apply well in advance. You would have to check with your solicitor, as it may be a little late to apply as Christmas is only four weeks away. For future reference, if you can't afford solicitor's fees, you can self-litigate, see link: Legal Aid Withdrawal: How to Represent Yourself, here. Many fathers are having a good amount of success when representing themselves, if they prepare well. The Bar Council also gives very comprehensive guidance, via whichI hope this helps.

berty 22/11/2015 at 11:24 am

hi I have been working with my solicitor to try have my 5 year old son with me christmas eve and morning as my ex has never allowed it.after numerous letters between solicitors she is now ignoring my plea and I have been advised to seek a court order but know I cant afford the fees.I also earn slightly too much for legal aid-are there any alternatives.thankyou.

CourtroomAdvice Editor 19/11/2015 at 10:45 am

Did you let the court know financial circumstances before you were sentenced? If you can't afford this, then to avoid getting into debt and finding yourself in worse trouble you need to write to the court, explaining why you have a problem with the amount and include proof of your financial circumstances. Please see link: here. I hope this helps.

Medzy 18/11/2015 at 2:53 pm

Iv recently been in crown court and have recieved a fine i clearly cant afford! Iv sent it back for a review and its come back £200 less! the monthly payment is just under 50% of my monthly income i definately cant afford it iv got kids and a mortgage! Iv rung them up and they basicly said that i have to pay it by a certain date even though i told them i couldnt afford it so i dont have a clue what to do?????

CourtroomAdvice Editor 18/11/2015 at 10:30 am

Domestic violence offences are regarded as particularly serious by the CPS. You can see read the CPS policy on pressing charges here, which will make it clear to you, why the CPS has to take the action is does and how it views the withdrawal of statements.

R 17/11/2015 at 10:53 pm

Hi, i will try and cut this story short but here goes and hopefully you may be able to give some advice..
My partner of 4 years, who has a full time job as a taxi driver and also has a small business selling modified lighting for cars, has been jailed for 9years after pleading Not Guilty to a crime involving a large quantity of class A drugs. He is innocent and there was insuffient evidence to prove or even suggest he knew anything about it. In court, it was explained his phone was forensically inspected, no finger prints of his were on the drugs, no connection with the person he picked up (who was carrying the drugs and put them into his car boot). The jury decided he was guilty but no explanation was given. Afterwards, his lawyer told me and his family that even the prosecution thought he was Not Guilty! How does that work?? Even the judge told the jury before they give their verdict, do NOT speculate, based your verdict on the evidence.. He must of told them 2-3times as if he was hinting to them he wasnt guilty... Its so frustrating for us all, knowing hes inmcocent, he doesnt have a criminal record, no fancy cars or money to suggest hes a drug dealer.. Absoloutely nothing! Hes a hard working guy, good character and had witnesses to say what hes like as a person and his background. Please help.

Kat 17/11/2015 at 3:08 pm

My ex pleaded not guilty to DV he due to appear in court next year since then I have retracted my statement because I want my marriage to work the police have forward my retract statement to cps but cps are still taking in to court but what case against my husband have they got with no evidence and how can I get his bail conditions relaxed

Sj 10/11/2015 at 10:39 pm

Hi long story i am trying to get divorced from my husband we separated a year ago after I found out he had slept with someone else. He had done this previously in our marriage once before that I know of but I decided I wanted to try and make it work so when I found out he did it again I told him to leave. The problem is I didn't have money to pay for a divorce before so we have just been separated but now I have recently found out that he has had a child with someone and he had been living a double life whiles we where married. I have gotten the d8 form filled it in added my supporting evidence but I have a child with him so I need to make a child care statement and also I have seen that when their is a child involved you can't have a straight divorce you have to go through mediation. Is this true? I tried to see a lawyer for advice but he told me I have to give him £100 per hr before anything. My husband says he will pay for the divorce but I have been waiting and still haven't seen money for divorce nor for our child even though I still let him have weekly contact with her and I don't want to use my child as a bargingin tool as to say if you don't pay up you can't see her as I think they should have their relationship but how can I get help so I can get our marriage over with. also I have read you need to find a court near where you live to do the case but i can't seem to find one. I live in lewisham south east london. Any help or advice you could give me I would be great full for I would like to know that I can become a free woman sometime in 2016 thank you

CourtroomAdvice Editor 09/11/2015 at 2:19 pm

The difficulty would be proving you were not living together as a couple and that you lent the money, not as a gift, but in good faith that it would be repaid. The objective is to prove to the court the money given was a loan and not a gift. If she began paying you back, or you have any correspondence pertaining to this, then you may stand a chance. However, if you don't, then really it's your word against hers and this will not get you the decision you want through the courts. Please see link: Make a Claim in the Small Claims Court, here

TeeH 07/11/2015 at 1:17 pm

My ex offered me accommodation after I split up from my partner. I paid my way and when she needed help I lent a hand financially. She usually deducted any of the monies from the rent. Before she through me out, I helped renovate the house and verbally she promised to pay back when she sold the house. She has since taken the house off the market and despite having asked several times for repayment, she has totally ignored my requests. I recently went to mediation which she declined to attend. The money I lent for the renovations was my pension payment and now I'm left with literally nothing and in sheltered accommodation. I have all the receipts and bank statements to show the various items purchased for her house and an unsigned document to acknowledge most of what she owes me.
Could you advise which route I should take with spending much more money to recover my debt please. Would you recommend debt collector agencies?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 29/10/2015 at 10:00 am

In the first instance you will need to speak to someone about your situation, as cancelling the direct debit without authorisation or agreement with the LAA, could have more financial repercussions. You don't say whether you think it is you at fault here (by not disclosing finances) or the LAA (who has not taken into account your financial circumstances correctly). The LAA will charge interest at 8% on the amount you owe, under the statutory charge. Therefore, it is in your best interests to make sure you pay off/sort out what you owe as soon as you can. If you can’t afford your monthly payments, the LAA may lower them allowing you to repay the charge over a longer period. However, if you think you have been treated unfairly by the LAA, then you can complain. You would need give as much detail about your complaint as possible. Make it clear what you feel is wrong and how you would like the LAA to put things right. You can do this via whichI hope this helps.

Scott 27/10/2015 at 8:18 pm

Hi was wondering if could email me back some advice. Several years ago I was taken to court by my ex and I was not working so applied for legal aid and it went through even though I had several thousand in savings. They then said because I had savings I would have to pay then they said I didn't have to...fast forward several year I end up going back through courts again by 2 exes I have very little in bank and not working but legal aid say I owe thousands and also owe money from back in aforementioned cases also so I am.currently paying £70 a month to a case and got 2 more letters for further payments due. I am not working and had £10,000 in account when.they looked into it but this was loan from my mother for new car so I still have maybe £3000 out of about £6000 to pay them still with no job no savings and also I proved this money was given by ma mother and receipt of car was shown. I am ready for cancelling my dd with legal aid but unsure of repercussions... Help please?

Dot 27/10/2015 at 4:27 pm

Hi, looking for some advice please. I am currently battling my ex regarding custody of my children. Both of my girls have been made wards of court while visiting there father in Northern Ireland as he has made wild allegations about my partner and I. I have got a solicitor etc who has managed to secure legal aid with limited liability so I have to pay £6000 (that I have had to borrow). On top of this I have to pay for flights, accommodation etc. every time I want to see my kids or appear at court. Is there anyway of getting assistance for travel since I live in Scotland? Is there anyway of getting my ex to pay back any of my expenses if I can prove that this is just malicious? Thanks in advance.

Robbie Editor 08/09/2015 at 2:57 pm

@Jenny - I feel very sorry for your situation. I think I'd go to the national press. This is what is happening to people all over the country - people are being evicted because of housing benefit changes, but left with massive debts when they have no money to begin with!

Jenny 07/09/2015 at 10:44 pm

Was evicted for rent arrears after housing benefit changes, unable to get legal help, landlord got ccj for 14000 pounds including cost of legal advice and representation, I could get none, judge ordered payment forthwith. No legal aid available. Tried to do my best with online advice, applied to county court on n245 to vary payments, court said they forwarded offer to claimant and there was no response. HCEOs instructed by landlord, now CAB say I should have applied to High Court. I am devastated, there was just no help available. Landlord took £4000 deposit and did not offset payment, bailiffs keep coming, please help me, I feel utterly hopeless.

CourtroomAdvice Editor 03/09/2015 at 11:20 am

This must be very frustrating for you. I can only suggest you give the courts a call directly and ask why you have been asked to pay costs when you were told you would have nothing further to pay.

CourtroomAdvice Editor 27/08/2015 at 9:38 am

I'm afraid this is rather a complex issue and very difficult to answer given the house was in your name and he has managed to get a restriction on it. Why he has been able to do these things has not been explained by you. I can only suggest you self-litigate (however, you say you are no longer living in the UK). Should you want to take this up in the UK, then please see the Bar Council guide to representing yourself in court, here which is the route that many people are now having to take due to the cut-backs in legal aid. However, as the article specifies, it is extremely important to be aware at the outset that if you start any legal action against someone else, if you are unsuccessful, you might be liable to pay for their legal costs (whether you have a lawyer or not). You will really need to seek some legal advice over this though, due to the complicated nature of your complaint. I hope this helps.

sc 26/08/2015 at 12:33 am

I've been physically, emotionally and financially abused by my now ex since 2009-2015. I've reported abuse to womans aid and local help centre. Have 2kids and 3rd one on the way. 5.000£ in debt and not working since I left job last year to look after our then 1year old. I cannot afford to pay off my debt, I've moved out to my home country since I've been mentally exhousted and needed some emotional support. my now ex partner bought house on my name, paid deposit in and refurbished it. I was supporting him with money since the beginning of our relationship and when we decided to separate he signed agreement with me that after seliing of the house that's on my name, he will give me 50.000£ as a financial settlement for myself and kids, but now he put restriction on property so I cannot sell it and he applied to court to get property transferred on to his name. When I asked legal aid for help I was told I'm not eligible since his abuse took place longer then 2weeks ago. I couldn't even get restraining order because he isn't immediate threat. What else can I do? How can I support my kids and myself? I owe 35.000 for the house in my own country where I live at the moment with kids. he deny that I supported him financially and claims to pay for everything which can be easily proven as false by providing my bank statements.

CourtroomAdvice Editor 24/08/2015 at 11:41 am

I'm afraid we can't possibly predict what a judge will decide if this goes to court.

las 21/08/2015 at 12:34 pm

I forgot to say I've been turned down for legal aid does that mean there's no chance of going to prison?

las 21/08/2015 at 12:31 pm

Hi, I've been charged for one kick to a paramedic an I scratched a police officer. I haven't drank much in 8 years I can't remember a thing. I'm very sorry for what I've done and wrote to both to apologize. I also have mental health issues. Will I go to prison?

deb 16/08/2015 at 9:58 pm

I put a claim in over three years ago. To a company where I had a fall. The legal aid has run out. So am go have to support me self now. The legal term are emailing me all the time. To sign and release all hospital records doctors employers records. Saying if I don't say they take me to court and charge me. I didn't want my employer knowing regarding this claim. I don't see how they need to know. I had the fall before I started working for them. The claim is with a old company I work for. Do I have any rights of keeping my personal information private. Kind regards.

CourtroomAdvice Editor 12/08/2015 at 12:52 pm

It is unlikely you would qualify for legal aid as there have been many cut-backs in this area. You say you wish to take over his property, however, if you were not married and the property was owned by your ex, then it is unlikley you would be awarded it unless it is part-owned by you. I can only suggest you seek further professional legal advice over the other issues you mention.

Eve 10/08/2015 at 10:02 am

I obtained a Court Order Dec 2014 ruling that my ex-partner should repay me £4000 I loaned him.He promised to repay the whole sum when he sold his flat in November 2013. But didn't. So I took him to the Small Claims Court & was successful.However, he appealed (twice) & in May 2015 was ordered to repay me £75 per month. It will therefore take 3 & a half years before I get the money!I have multiple sclerosis & the stress of this brought on a bad relapse. I have now been retired on ill-health grounds. So my income is greatly reduced.The legal costs have been crippling. I have used up all my savings.I can't afford to go back to Court but I want to do two things:1. get his order to pay amount increased - he can afford this as Child Maintenance is due to end.2. apply for leave to take over sale of his empty house in Doncaster(which he bought with the money from sale of flat in Brighton). He has turned down reasonable offers, doesn't live in it - or even in Doncaster.My gross pension is £15000. No other income & no more savings.Do I qualify for legal aid?Thanks.

Jon 17/07/2015 at 7:22 am

Hi,
I was arrested for being drunk and having no address to return to that night and was detained for the evening. I was released the morning without charge, but was later charged for urinating in a public place which was a total fabrication on the arresting officers part. I have to attend court for this made up offence. I earn around 2300 per month before tax, would I qualify for legal aid?
Thanks Jon.

blanche 15/07/2015 at 4:22 pm

My parttner has been awarded leagal ai e months ago for surgery not done properly but been rightified "eal aid to cover solicitor priavate doctor to look at retreived mediacl notesetc wen he is over second operation if he returns to work will he have to pay all leagal aid bk even though it hastnt gone to court yet that's for wen he's one hundred percent ready

CourtroomAdvice Editor 14/07/2015 at 12:15 pm

@cat - I have directed you to one of our partner sites, Will Expert, and the article: Appointing Guardians in a Will, link here which should help answer your question.

cat 11/07/2015 at 12:10 pm

my ex has not seen his daughter for 2 years. He has PR but contact was inconsistent and chaotic. My daughter has said she does not want to see him due to various incidents taking place at contact, some of which she only recently disclosed. I knew about others. Regardless of this and 3 injunctions, he was granted access but he was unable to sustain it so it has ceased. I am married and my daughter lives with me, my husband and her brother from a previous relationship. We have been married for 3 years and together for 5. My daughter is very close to her step father and I wish for her to remain in the family home should anything happen to me. However I have read that if another parent has PR then the child automatically goes to them. I have a residence order and am making a will later this week, but this worries me immensely. My daughter is settled and has expressed she does not wish to see her natural father and is settled and happy here. We're she to go to her natural father, she would have to move areas and schools and would be faced with chaotic parenting and would not know anybody. My husband and eldest son who is 21 have both said they will fight it in court but the court costs are of concern. I am going to look into life insurance with the hope it may cover costs. If not, could he make a fair case representing himself and would my daughters views be taken into account? Also, does my residence order stay permanently and have any bearing on my will? If my ex cannot get legal aid and we're not to attend court, would this affect the outcome or would he be granted legal aid automatically as a respondent ? We have considered applying for PR or an accommodation order for my husband but I'm pretty certain my ex would not agree to it and am worried it would pave the way for more conflict which has not been the case for over 2 years. I had 6 years of court hearings previously due to his behavior . I am extremely worried.

slim 30/06/2015 at 11:40 am

My 18 year old son and 17year old nephew have been working for a guy doing cash in hand labouring.£50 a day for 8 hrs & £5 an hr for overtime.the boys had little or no experience but the guy said he would teach them.they said he could pay them at the end of the job.he has paid them some of the wage owed,but is refusing to pay the rest saying their work was sloppy,they kept nipping to the shop,using their mobiles & they walked off the job.he was meant to be supervising them,so should he not have spoken up at the time,not waited until it was time to pay,then say he isn't because of these alleged actions.the boys were sensible and documented hours worked,as some days he had them working 17hrs.they were sleeping on the floor on a mattress on the premises.please could someone advise what I could do next

CourtroomAdvice Editor 14/05/2015 at 10:56 am

@whizz - well you have to be very careful indeed as you could be subject to libel which is where a person makes a defamatory statement that damages anothers' reputation, and where the other person may be able to sue you for compensation. Regardless, or your own knowledge about this person, you say the charges were dropped and it would therefore mean the statements you are writing and posting are intended to damage and injure that person's reputation. Therefore, you could be arrested and charged for defamation of character. On another note, the CPS has launched guidelines for the Victims' Right to Review Scheme which makes it easier for victims to seek a review of a CPS decision not to bring charges or to terminate all proceedings, which you can look into if you are unhappy over the charges being dropped regarding your step-father.

whizz 12/05/2015 at 9:58 am

I was sexualy abused & raped by my step father unfortunately the case was not strong enough for court I have had leaflets made up to post around the area to let people know what he done what's the worst that can happen to me

CourtroomAdvice Editor 17/04/2015 at 10:28 am

@Cat - unfortunatley, due to government cuts, there is little legal aid around currently. You may find help via the gov.uk link here about whether you may be eligible. Alternatively, you may find the information you need in the Bar Council: A Guide to Representing Yourself in Court whichIt also gives advice on page three on how to find free or affordable help with your legal problem, but also tells you if you can self-litigate if you cannot get legal aid or afford legal fees. I hope this helps.

Cat 17/04/2015 at 9:30 am

Hi, my friend may need to take her husband to court before she can apply for a divorce, in order to get quarter of the family home value signed over to her in trust for their daughter. He would not qualify for legal aid. Would he be liable for any of the court costs? Many thanks.

Advice 12/04/2015 at 7:26 pm

I'm worried about my friend as she been cited to a court case which she didnt see any crime, and told the police aswel. My friend is now suffering anxiety , depression , and is getting suicidal thoughts, because she has never been in trouble with the law, can my pal get off from this case with getting a sick note .

CourtroomAdvice Editor 24/02/2015 at 12:16 pm

@Jo - the next step is really is to complain to the Legal Ombudsman, I hope this helps.

Jo 21/02/2015 at 10:13 pm

I had a contested divorce and child hearing where social services were involved against my ex also. I got legal aid as I didn't work. My ex was a vexatious litigant and in all there were about 30+ court hearings. I won the case and my children. 5 years later legal aid agency have charged my property for legal fees from my former solicitor for £23,000, I'm being charged 8% interest on this also. The solicitor never sent me a final bill so I never realised the cost. £8,500 of this bill is listed as 'profit' I've complained to legal aid agency but they don't care in the slightest. I can't work as I have a disabled son so this debt will just keep going up. Any ideas on what I can do about this?

Gulabule 30/12/2014 at 4:55 pm

After. My mother passed away in August 2010 my sister and myself were named as executors/benificiaries to my mothers will. Right from start I was left to deal everything to do with cremation registering death probate paying of any estate cost . Only 3 weeks after my sister phoned asking if she could borrow funds from estate. To buy a larger house as she was family I didn't see any reason not to let her. As I had dealt with everything I had raise funds . In total I closed santanda accounts Cheltenham and gloustishire account cashed in shares in total £85000 by 10 th dec 2010 by this time she sold her house signed up for one back out paid costs found another bought and moved in be for 20th dec 2010.agreement made was on sale of estate property sister would repay loan back to estate I full .it took two and a half years to sell and I had to remind my sister of loan which she got angry said she owed SOMTHING and put phone down. Not only loan I had been left to deal with upkeep costs and estate bills for this time and she was refusing to pay half share of estate costs . So I had know choice but to employe services of solicitor . As my sister has now had over 60000 pounds more from my mothers estate . As will stated after estate costs settled equal shares between sister myself next thing my sisters emptied estate property of £20000 antiques jewellery. Now I have all the proof paperwork to take sister to court .my solicitor said quite straight forward four to six weeks 800/1200 pounds.then 4/6 mths 1800/2400 pounds . Now at 24 mths £12000 pounds and now offering mediation at cost of £3000 which was offer over a year ago twice and my sister ignored so solicitor let it go threatened Her with court 4 time no reason but SOLICTOR backed out each time . I'm now worried my solicitors playing me.

CourtroomAdvice Editor 02/12/2014 at 2:29 pm

@Rabbit - If you are the respondent, the court might order you to pay the legal fees on both sides. Unfair, yes, but it works on the principle that if the petitioner can prove their case before the courts, then they will also get their costs.

Rabbit 01/12/2014 at 2:55 pm

I am currently going through a divorce and my husband is the petitioner. I have had a letter back from the court stating that the petitioner has to pay the respondent's legal fees. My husbands' solicitor has stated that the court has made a mistake and it should be me that pay's his costs. If the court has made a mistake and I do have to pay his costs, what happens? I am on minimum wage as a temp and my husband is financially secure. If I can't afford to pay this will the courts take further action against me?

trish 15/09/2014 at 6:29 pm

Ihad to take my daughter to court in 2007 to see my grandchildren who i ha all the time, i won an have been seein them an havin them stop on weds an wkends school holls, her partner attacked 14 yr old grandson the police wanted it to go to court but my daughter wouldnt give a statment he is now livin with me an again she has stopped me seein my other grandchildren

Foxcub 27/08/2014 at 11:44 am

Please help. I have to attend bail at the magistrates court-its 120 miles away. i have no income other than benefits of £70 a week. i have legal aid but this doesn't help with travel costs. The train fare costs around £50- i simply cannot afford this. How can i get assistance with travel costs? i don't want to be arrested for not turning up to bail but practically i simply can not afford the travel, nor can i realistically walk 120miles. What are we expected to do in these situations? no one will lend me so much as £10 cos they know i won;t be able to give it back. Its all crazy. PLEASE help

pinky 21/08/2014 at 5:45 pm

My ex-husband has took me back to court for a enforcement order as I stopped the children from going to him one weakened as when he had previously had them he never fed them all they had rom the Friday to the Sunday was a packet of crisps and a sausage roll.

When he dropped the children off my daughter who is 9 was very distressed and told me she had not had any food and was crying uncontrollably, my son who is 5 was ok but said he was hungry.

I rang social services the following day and they told me they could not get involved but that it was there human right to be fed and suggested I ring his solicitor which I did and they told me that they would get in touch with him. His response was that as they were moving house that day he did not have much.

A week later Received a letter to summon me back to court as he was applying for a enforcement order.

I attended court today I have now got no legal aid and was not represented I feel it was unjust as they have now ordered me to do 40 hours unpaid work and comply with the court order.

I have been told I will not qualify for legal aid although he still gets his .

I work 24 hours a week and my ex husband does not work.

Can I appeal and is there a way I can be represented

flummoxed1 09/08/2014 at 10:37 am

In a county court multi track judgement a claimants claim was thrown out for various reasons and the judge ordered that the claimant should pay the defendant's legal costs, 10k approx, within 14 days. The claimant seemed to be refusing to pay. What are the penalties for this refusal? What if th e claimant CAN'T pay. What if vexatious litigation is involved??

longerjohn 17/04/2014 at 10:14 am

i have to attend court in sheffield and am living in london, have been told the case may last 2/3 weeks and i have to attend everyday. i am on jobseekers and cant afford to stay or travel is there any place i can ask for help in paying for my stay

wendy-woo 25/03/2014 at 5:10 pm

we have been told my 16 year old son cannot claim legal aid in his own right and they asked us (his parents) for all our income details and said we got too much to get legal aid...can my son actually claim legal aid or not because the phone call we made was very conflicting thank you

DevilQueen86 17/03/2014 at 7:40 pm

I am in legal proceedings with the LA in relation to my daughter. I have been approved fill Legal Aid and i have been asked to go to an assessment down in Taunton and i live in the West Midlands in the near future and was wondering if i can claim back the traveling costs as currently in receipt of benefits???
I was diagnosed with ADHD when i was a child, further psychological issues have arisen since then so was wondering if there is anyway i could claim the money back as its almost half my fortnight benefit for just 1 day trip which i will end up being out 18 to 19 hours that day.
Thanks in advance for your assistance and hope to hear from you shortly.

catherine 17/04/2013 at 11:29 am

My husband had a road traffic accident and the police are taking him to court, what would be rough estimate of the court costs if he cannot claim legal aid

nikki 10/01/2013 at 7:33 pm

Could you advise me as to if there is an upper amount of legal aid assistance(financial fees) in a family divorce settlement dispute? Presently the case has been going on for over 12 months and no satisfactory outcome, despite several court hearings. The commission recently agreed to an extensive cover for an appeal dated in december. I am just concerned that before this is resolved they will pull the plug due to the rising legal costs

Thank you

Sharon connor

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