https://www.slab.org.uk/guidance/the-essential-components-of-a-civil-legal-aid-application-forms-statutory-statements-declaration/
https://www.slab.org.uk/guidance/the-essential-components-of-a-civil-legal-aid-application-forms-statutory-statements-declaration/
An application for civil legal aid should include:
Where your client is not present:
When you see clients face to face they must sign the declaration.
If the client is present and cannot sign, or if the client is not present, you should indicate that you are signing on behalf of your client and give the date of your remote consultation with the client.
In these circumstances you must explain the terms of the declaration to the client and obtain their verbal consent to its terms.
Before applying for legal aid, it is essential your client understands the implications and responsibilities of this.
You should also ensure that they are aware that legal aid is not always free. Depending on their finances and on the nature of the case, they could have to pay:
All applications must be made using Legal Aid Online and include the appropriate financial forms.
The purpose of the statutory statement is to:
Provided these objectives are met, there is no need for a lengthy detailed statement.
If you refer to sections or sub-sections of particular Acts, please give the reference in full.
You should describe in lay terms what your client is seeking by the action, as we may send the statement to someone who is not legally qualified.
If you do not wish us to pass on the address of your client to others in the case, do not include this in the statement as we send this direct to the opponent or the opponent’s representatives.
You do not have to set down every aspect of the case in the style of an initial writ.
If we receive a statutory statement which we do not think gives adequate notice to any opposing party, then we will ask you to provide a fresh one.
Availability of Civil legal aid and application procedures
Read about how the availability of civil legal aid for children, and the additional information that you must form a view on: ‘general understanding’.
Availability of Civil legal aid and application procedures
Find out the types of information to send us if you are acting on behalf of an opponent of an application and wish to dispute the financial info provided.