Public Funding, (Formerly Legal Aid) and Private Funding

Public Funding

Unlike many firms Slee Blackwell is delighted to be able to offer family law services on a publicly funded basis. We are the proud holders of a franchise in this area of work from the Legal Services Commission (LSC).

Anyone who wants legal advice on a public funding basis would usually be assessed at an initial meeting to make sure they met all the LSC's eligibility requirements.

There are different categories of public funding which cover different types of legal work. Public funding however is not a free service and in certain situations where a person receives a financial benefit as a result of the work carried out the costs incurred may have to be repaid. This is called the "statutory charge".

Some types of public funding only cover a very limited amount of legal work necessary to advise and assist someone in the initial stages. It may become necessary to apply for a more comprehensive form of public funding during the course of a case; if there were court proceedings for example.

In order to apply for public funding it will be necessary to complete an application form. At all levels of public funding a person's eligibility will be assessed on their financial circumstances (income and capital) as well as the legal merits of their case. Depending on a person's means they may be assessed as having to make a monthly financial contribution to the LSC for the duration of the case. But if they are subsequently required to repay the legal costs under the statutory charge then these contributions will be deducted from bill at the end of the case.

An application for public funding can take the LSC several weeks to process, particularly where someone is self-employed, though in emergency situations public funding can be granted straight away. Public funding can often appear to be very complicated, however our team of specialist family lawyers is highly experienced in advising people about the types of public funding available and will happily review your particular situation and consider what is right for you.

Private Funding

In you are not eligible for any form of public funding then we will advise you of the different funding options available and find the one most suited to your pocket.