Ison Harrison Solicitors: Legal Aid and Custody of Children

When a relationship breaks down and ends, some couples can come to an agreement with regard to contact without the assistance of the Courts. However, not all situations can be resolved between themselves – the court can then help when disputes arise over access to children and child residence.

Decisions will be made with what the Court considers to be for the best interests of the child. Disputed cases involving contact or residence are emotional and costly affairs, but often Legal Aid is available to pay for your legal fees.

What is Legal aid?

Legal aid is the use of public funds to help pay for legal advice, family mediation and representation for those who cannot afford to pay for private legal fees. Legal aid will pay towards the fees of a solicitor for your case. There are different types of legal aid:

* Legal Help– a solicitor will advise you and negotiate with the other party

* Family Mediation– a solicitor can help with negotiating with the other party through mediation.

* Legal Representation-a solicitor will prepare your case and represent you in court or arrange a barrister to represent you.

Firstly the Legal Aid Agency will consider your income and capital. If your disposable income is less than £733 per month, then you may qualify for Legal Aid.

If you receive certain benefits, then you are “Passported” and automatically eligible for Legal Aid. These benefits are:

* Income Support
* Income Related Jobseekers Allowance
* Income Related Employment Support Allowance
* Universal Credit
* Guaranteed Pension Credit

In order to find out whether you’re eligible and how to apply, seek free, no obligation legal advice with us at Ison Harrison Solicitors. We aim for our advice to be clear; we explain you’re legal rights and all of the options available to you, whether you qualify for legal aid, and if not, what the cost implications will be.

If you can’t get legal aid, we will provide you with alternative and affordable routes. We’ll assist you through all the necessary processes, and will fight to obtain a satisfactory resolution. If you have any queries regarding legal aid and/or about the custody of your children, contact Ison Harrison on 01943 889 100 or pop in to any of our local offices situated in Otley, Ilkley and Guiseley.

Ison Harrison solicitors have been providing a superb level of service in almost all areas of law for over 40 years. With 12 offices across the Yorkshire region, their extensive team consists of over 170 committed and professional lawyers who can provide advice for both you, and your business. The firm has some of the most experienced Lawyers in Yorkshire and boasts one of the largest family law teams in the region.

**This is a sponsored blog post from Ison Harrison Solicitors**