LEGAL AID
Legal Aid Support in East Sussex
The Elaine Parkes Solicitors teams provide professional family law services to clients across East Sussex from our Hastings and Brighton offices.
We appreciate that in times of dispute or change, it can be challenging to understand the legalities involved, and so always aim to support our clients in deciding on the best options, according to their desired outcomes.
Legal Aid is a financial assistance programme and helps cover legal expenses when you require representation or advice and need support to meet the associated costs.
This service is available in circumstances where:
- There are child protection issues involved.
- You have experienced domestic abuse.
Prior to April 2013, the Legal Services Commission provided Legal Aid in a broader range of cases where applicants were financially eligible, but please note that this funding is now restricted to these most serious situations.
In these extremely difficult circumstances, it is vital that you receive the help you need to guide you through the process.
We endeavour to handle every case with the sensitivity, care and confidentiality you require to reach a successful, supported outcome.
Eligibility for Legal Aid in Family Law Cases
With a dedicated team of highly qualified solicitors, we can offer specialist advice when it comes to seeking Legal Aid.
Our experienced legal representatives have helped many families through Legally Aided Family Proceedings and will work through your circumstances to decide on the best strategy for you.
This assistance might be required in any number of situations, and funding is available to help in many scenarios, such as:
- Care proceedings under public family law around the protection of children.
- Divorce cases under private family law where there is evidence of domestic abuse.
- Children proceedings, where there is evidence of abuse and rulings are required around areas such as Contact, Residence, Prohibited Steps or other specific issues.
- Cases involving child abduction.
- Representation for children in family law cases.
- Injunction cases, where domestic abuse is involved.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for Legal Aid funding, do get in touch, and we will be happy to discuss this with you privately.
It is also worth noting that domestic abuse comes in many forms, each incredibly harmful to your wellbeing. There may be financial assistance open to you in cases of abuse excluding violence, such as economic abuse or coercion.
Applying for Legal Aid in Hastings and Brighton
Applications for Legal Aid are means-tested, which means we need to ask for information around your income, outgoings, and any benefits you might receive.
These details are always safeguarded for your privacy, and something we must ask for in order to ensure you get the financial help available.
In any abusive situation, it is critical to find the right support, and the Elaine Parkes team will ensure that your legal rights are protected, and your voice, and those of your children, are properly heard and listened to.
Contact us on 01424 883183 for more information about Legal Aid eligibility or for assistance around any family law matter.