Legal aid
What you can get legal aid for
You could get help with the costs of legal advice or getting someone to speak or negotiate for you.
If you qualify for legal aid, you could get:
- advice on your rights and options
- help with negotiations and paperwork
- help if you鈥檙e accused of a crime, for example advice at a police station
- a solicitor or barrister to get your case ready and speak on your behalf in court and some tribunals
Civil (non-criminal) cases
You might be able to get legal aid for problems like:
- homelessness or losing your home, or if it鈥檚 in serious disrepair
- protecting yourself or your child from abuse or harassment, for example domestic abuse or violence or forced marriage
- poor quality care you or a family member are getting due to age, disability or special educational needs
- needing advice on finances, children or divorce if you鈥檝e been in an abusive relationship
- a child in your family being at risk of being taken into care
- family mediation, for example if you鈥檙e separating or getting a divorce
- discrimination
- challenging the way the government has made a decision about you
- seeking asylum or if you鈥檝e been the victim of human trafficking
- needing advice if a family member鈥檚 death is going to a coroner鈥檚 inquest
- appealing a decision made by the social security tribunal about your benefits to the Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court
Check if you can get legal aid for your type of problem.
If your human rights are at risk, you could get legal aid for cases that would not usually be eligible.
Criminal cases
You have the right to free legal advice if you鈥檙e questioned at a police station.
You鈥檒l automatically get legal aid for legal representation in court if you鈥檙e under 16 (or under 18 and in full-time education) or on certain benefits.
Alternatives to legal aid
If you cannot get legal aid, you may be able to get free advice from:
You can also pay for advice from a local legal adviser or solicitor.