Legal aid is a way of providing help to people who wouldn’t be able to afford legal representation. According to the government, it “can help meet the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation in a court or tribunal”.
It is funded by the government and exists to give people access to the legal system when they can’t afford it – but it is only available in certain circumstances.
In order to receive legal aid, you will have to prove that your legal problem is serious and that you cannot afford to pay for help.
To be eligible to receive legal aid, your problem could include:
Being at risk of abuse or harm, such as domestic violence
Having been accused of a crime
Being at risk of homelessness
Requiring family mediation