How does legal aid work?

[EcclesCake]

I've been following a thread about an ABer who has a County Court appearance later this week.

If I've deciphered it correctly it is the first hearing yet she is about to 'run out' of legal aid.

How is Legal Aid apportioned, I appreciate that there is an element of means testing, surely you can't get half way though a case and the legal representative look at their watch and announce 'right, that's it you're out of time, I'm off' ???

[ummmm]

No, it doesn't work like that as far as I'm aware. You have to apply for it so it's either granted or declined. If it's for a case where you make money at the end of it, they will decide if you have to pay all or part of it back.

[EcclesCake]

I didn't think it so but was a tad baffled....probably serves me right for reading the threads in the first place.....bafflement is the default position!

[tonywiltshire]

Community Legal Services replaced the legal aid scheme in 2000, it is available for some civil and criminal law, but not all, it should ensure funds are directed to those in most need and there are strict criteria for eligibility. It is administered by the Legal Services Commission and there are various levels of service which may answer your question, the service levels are:

Legal help

Help at Court

Investigative help

Full representation, equivalent to full legal aid.

Support funding

Specific Directions.