Who Can Get Legal Aid in Northern Ireland
You`ll only get advice on whether or not you can get legal help – you won`t get a final decision until you talk to a counsellor. If we require legal representation, whether through a lawyer or other legal advisor, fees may apply. To cover these costs, you can apply for legal aid. Legal aid is available to cover the costs of legal representation at hearings. Legal advice and family mediation are also included in the cost of legal aid. Legal aid can help you be represented in court in civil matters in three ways. Currently, free legal aid is available in all criminal proceedings in Northern Ireland. In addition to these criteria, other criteria may be applied depending on the nature of the case, such as: When it comes to owning your home, legal aid is denied when the chances of avoiding possession are low. We will give you an initial assessment of the impact of your proposal on legal aid and the work of the courts.
If none are identified, this may be indicated in the “Enforcement and Sanctions” section of the IAR. The Court of Justice has the power to grant free legal aid and is only available to a person accused of a criminal offence. Legal aid cannot be applied to persons bringing private proceedings. The court will also consider the following before granting legal aid: The green form includes advice on general legal issues, including advice on the following topics: – If you ask your lawyer if you qualify for legal aid, your lawyer should bring information and documents to your first appointment so that he can decide what assistance he will provide. On the contrary, you are entitled to it. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you may be able to get help with your legal fees to protect yourself and your children. This section contains information on legal aid policy and legislation, relevant reports and consultation documents. Once you see that this affects legal aid and the work of the courts, you will need to get a cost estimate. With this legal aid, you will receive up to two hours of general help from a lawyer. This may include general advice, writing legal letters, or hearing or preparing a written case for a court. This legal aid can help with problems such as divorce, alimony, or writing a will.
It does not cover the costs of a lawyer who represents you in court. You are only entitled to legal aid if your savings and income are within the financial limits set for the programme. Your lawyer can help you understand this. Legal aid allows low-income people to receive free legal advice and support from a lawyer. The green form includes the assistance of a lawyer, including general advice on legal matters. We offer free, no-obligation advice to discuss your case without having to worry about legal fees. Legal aid has been used in cases where a person is at risk of losing their home due to domestic violence or homelessness, or where they have been discriminated against and present a legal argument under the Human Rights Act. If you are refused legal aid, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed. You will have to pay fees as part of your legal action. Court fees are fixed and the amount you pay depends on the type of case you take and the amount of money you claim.
You may also have to pay for the reports or evidence you need to prove or defend your case. Your lawyer will also charge you a professional fee for the work he or she does on your case and hire a lawyer if you need one. Sometimes, if you win a case that was funded by legal aid, you have to reimburse the cost of your legal aid. These are called statutory fees. Your lawyer will tell you if these fees are likely to apply to you. The granting of legal aid in criminal cases is decided by the court and depends on a means test (the person does not have sufficient income to pay for his or her defence) or a substantive examination (in the interests of justice). However, if the person is questioned by the police in connection with a criminal complaint, he or she is entitled to free legal aid during his or her stay at the police station. It is not a means test.
When applying for legal aid, it is very important that you provide accurate information to your lawyer. Your legal aid may be withdrawn if you provide false information about your case or financial situation.