Legal Aid
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My husband is still waiting for the results of the forensics being done on his devices. He's done a whole lot of very serious things and it will no doubt end up in Crown Court. There is no way my husband can afford solicitors fees from his monthly income. I just wanted to ask a few questions about Legal Aid:
1. At what stage in the process should my husband apply for Legal Aid? Is it only once the charges are brought?
2. We aren't currently living together because we have a child and Social Services won't allow it. Me and our baby are living with my parents. Will my income still be taken into account for means testing? We are both still paying the mortgage and bills etc.
3. How much does it cost to go to the Magistrates and Crown Court? Will Legal Aid cover these costs as well?
Thanks.
1. At what stage in the process should my husband apply for Legal Aid? Is it only once the charges are brought?
2. We aren't currently living together because we have a child and Social Services won't allow it. Me and our baby are living with my parents. Will my income still be taken into account for means testing? We are both still paying the mortgage and bills etc.
3. How much does it cost to go to the Magistrates and Crown Court? Will Legal Aid cover these costs as well?
Thanks.
Hi Devastated,
Have you paid for your representation so far? Usually Legal Aid is confirmed when you're first allocated representation. In my case the solicitors applied for legal aid for him. My partner was on roughly £20k back then but because he didn't have bills in his name (he just sends me money every month) and doesn't have credit committments, it meant he was deemed to have enough disposable income to pay for his own costs, he's never paid a penny and whilst this was all going on he received a couple of letters for debt collection of around £6000 for the fees. Effectively legal aid said no so he was asked for the money. It's a very weird system, they only chased him once or twice within 18 months and since he's been acquitted we've heard nothing as I assume he wouldn't have to pay!
Have you paid for your representation so far? Usually Legal Aid is confirmed when you're first allocated representation. In my case the solicitors applied for legal aid for him. My partner was on roughly £20k back then but because he didn't have bills in his name (he just sends me money every month) and doesn't have credit committments, it meant he was deemed to have enough disposable income to pay for his own costs, he's never paid a penny and whilst this was all going on he received a couple of letters for debt collection of around £6000 for the fees. Effectively legal aid said no so he was asked for the money. It's a very weird system, they only chased him once or twice within 18 months and since he's been acquitted we've heard nothing as I assume he wouldn't have to pay!