Many people rule themselves out of legal aid before they have even asked the question. Owning a home, being in work, or simply assuming that legal aid no longer exists can all stop people from getting the support they may be entitled to. Speaking with a legal aid solicitor in Stockport is often the quickest way to find out whether one of these common myths is holding you back.
Myth One: Legal Aid No Longer Exists
It is true that legal aid has been reduced significantly since 2013, but it has not disappeared. It is still available for a number of family law matters, including cases involving domestic abuse, care proceedings, and children at risk. A legal aid solicitor in Stockport will be able to tell you quickly whether your situation falls into one of these categories, rather than you having to guess.
Myth Two: Owning Your Home Means You Will Not Qualify
Many people assume that owning property automatically rules them out. In reality, eligibility is based on disposable income and capital after certain allowances, not simply whether your name is on a mortgage. A family solicitors Stockport team, including a legal aid solicitor in Stockport, can talk you through how your specific circumstances are assessed, rather than relying on assumptions.
Myth Three: You Have to Wait Until Things Are Desperate
Some people believe legal aid is only for the most extreme situations, and delay reaching out until a crisis point. In domestic abuse cases particularly, getting advice from a domestic abuse solicitor Stockport early can help you understand your options and access protection sooner.
If you are in immediate danger, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available on 0808 2000 247.
Myth Four: Legal Aid Only Covers Court Costs
Legal aid can cover more than simply representation in court. Depending on your case, it may also support family mediation, legal advice, and help with paperwork. A legal aid solicitor in Stockport can explain exactly what is included for your particular case, so you know what to expect from the outset.
Myth Five: Financial Settlements Are Never Covered
Financial matters following a divorce are not automatically excluded from legal aid, particularly where domestic abuse is a factor. Our financial settlement solicitors Stockport team, working alongside a legal aid solicitor in Stockport, can assess whether your case may qualify, rather than assuming legal aid will not apply simply because money is involved.
How Can Higgins Miller Help?
At Higgins Miller, we never want cost to be the reason someone does not seek the advice they need. As an experienced legal aid solicitor in Stockport, we will look honestly at your circumstances and explain clearly whether legal aid may be available to you.
For a fuller breakdown of how the process works, you can also read our dedicated legal aid page.
If any of these myths sound familiar, it is always worth checking rather than assuming, and you can use the government’s legal aid checker as a helpful starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Possibly. Eligibility is based on your disposable income and capital after certain allowances, not simply whether you own property, so it is always worth checking your individual circumstances.
No. While some legal aid cases do involve urgent situations, you do not need to wait until things reach crisis point to ask whether you qualify.
It can, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse. Our team can look at your situation and explain whether your case may be eligible.
Depending on your case, legal aid can cover legal advice, representation, and in some cases family mediation, not only court costs.
The simplest way is to speak with our team directly, or use the government’s online legal aid checker as a starting point.
If you would like to speak with our team, call us on 0161 429 7251 or email [email protected]. We are always happy to help.