Concerned about mounting divorce fees having a negative impact on your bank account? Before making any big financial decisions, it’s important to explore whether you could be entitled to receive financial help with divorce fees.
From legal aid to reduced court fees, the experienced solicitors at Freeman Jones Solicitors explain some of the different ways that you could receive help with divorce fees in the UK.
What happens if I can’t afford a solicitor for a divorce?
There are a few options that you may want to explore if you can’t afford a solicitor to handle your divorce. Firstly, you should check whether you qualify for legal aid as some solicitors may be able to take on your divorce case pro bono (either free of charge or for a lower cost).
Alternatively, you can also represent yourself in court – this is known as being a ‘litigant in person’. However, this can lead to some issues as individuals without the relevant legal experience and knowledge may struggle to identify legally relevant facts and deal with the necessary forms.
Can you get legal aid for a divorce?
While legal aid involves the provision of legal assistance to those who cannot afford their own representation, it doesn’t cover all types of legal problems. For example, in England and Wales, you can’t receive legal aid to cover the costs of divorce – unless your case meets certain criteria.
How do you qualify for legal aid in a divorce?
You may qualify for legal aid in a divorce if your case involves domestic violence, child abduction, a homelessness risk, or another kind of serious problem. You must also be able to demonstrate that you cannot afford the legal costs of getting a divorce.
For more straightforward divorce cases, however, legal aid isn’t available. If you’re unsure whether your case is eligible to receive financial support, you should check the official government guidelines regarding legal aid.
Am I eligible for help with divorce fees?
If your divorce doesn’t qualify for legal aid, you may still be eligible to receive financial help with divorce fees in the form of reduced court or tribunal costs. Available to those who don’t have much in savings, receive certain benefits, or have a low income, your circumstances must meet a strict eligibility criteria.
If you pass this eligibility criteria, you can apply for help with these fees online when you’re ready to make your court or tribunal application.
Contact Freeman Jones Solicitors for transparent and fixed legal fees
Worried that you might be blindsided by hidden legal fees arising from your divorce? At Freeman Jones Solicitors, we believe in fixed and transparent legal fees, so you always know exactly what you’re paying for and how much it’ll cost.
Our legal divorce and separation services include providing expert help with completing your Financial Statement (Form E), offering tailored legal advice on a wide range of family law issues, and providing professional mediation services.
If an agreement can’t be reached during mediation and litigation is necessary, our knowledgeable team can also provide comprehensive legal representation during court hearings.
If you’d to learn more about our legal fees or divorce services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experienced and compassionate divorce solicitors at Freeman Jones Solicitors.
To discuss your divorce case with our legal team, simply give us a call on 01244 506 444. You can also send in your enquiries via email at info@fjsolicitors.co.uk or by filling in our convenient online contact form.
