Our information leaflets contain helpful information. All are in pdf format. Some leaflets are available in other languages and formats.

Civil cases

• For people who are applying or have applied for civil legal aid, your solicitor will give you our information booklet called: Civil legal aid - information for applicants. (Version effective July 2011. This combines our previous set of civil leaflets into one booklet and covers both civil legal aid and advice and assistance).
  

• If you live in the Highlands and Islands, Aberdeen or Edinburgh and you are having difficulties finding legal help or the services of a solicitor then the Civil Legal Assistance Offices may be able to help you.

Criminal cases

• Our leaflet tells you about Criminal legal assistance if you are not in custody

Children's cases

• If you are a child, Legal aid for children explains the types of legal aid available.
  
  

1. Introduction to legal aid

Find out more about what legal aid is and the types of case we can help with.

2.Do you qualify financially?

You can see if you are financially eligible for legal aid by using our online calculators:

• Advice and assistance calculator - for civil, criminal and children's cases
  This is the type of legal aid you usually receive at the start of your case.

• Civil legal aid calculator
  This helps pay for your solicitor to act for you in court in a civil case.

3. Find a legal aid solicitor

If you don't already have a solicitor, use our easy to use find my nearest legal aid solicitor search service.

Opponents

The opponent of someone who has applied for civil legal aid has the right to object to the application for, or grant of, civil legal aid. If you are an OPPONENT, find out about your rights in our leaflet.

4. Read more in our leaflets

You can find out more about getting legal aid in our leaflets for:

• Civil cases - read our information for applicants leaflet.

• Criminal cases
  
  
• If you are a child, Legal aid for children (leaflet in pdf format) explains the types of legal aid available.
  
  
• You may also find it helpful to read some common questions about legal aid.

Other information

• The Scottish Government has decided that unclaimed funds will be transferred to the Legal Aid Fund. Click here to read more.

• Our service standards tell you the level of service you can expect from us, including how long it will take us to do things.
  
  
• If you are unhappy with our services, read our leaflet on Complaints about the Scottish Legal Aid Board.
  
  

• You can also read our leaflet Access to Information about getting information from the Board under data protection and Freedom of Information laws.
  
  
• As well as our easy to use search service to find your nearest legal aid solicitor, firms of solicitors who provide legal assistance are registered with the Board. View our formal registers of the firms who undertake legal aid work.

• National Fraud Initiative - We may share the data you provide with other bodies