Finding a Legal Aid solicitor — eligibility & directories

1. Scope test — is your case covered?

Since LASPO 2012, most private family law is OUT of scope. But DA and child-protection cases are explicitly back IN scope under Schedule 1, Part 1, paragraphs 12–13 LASPO. You qualify on scope if your case involves:

• Non-Molestation Order, Occupation Order, DAPN/DAPO.
• Forced Marriage Protection Order, FGM Protection Order.
• Child arrangements where DA is alleged (you are the survivor, not the alleged perpetrator).
• Care, supervision, or special-guardianship proceedings brought by the LA — these are non-means, non-merits tested for parents.
• International child abduction (Hague Convention) — non-means, non-merits tested.
• Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) — free for one party if the other is eligible.

2. Evidence test (DA cases only)

For private family-law DA cases you must produce ONE piece of evidence from the prescribed list (reg. 33 Civil Legal Aid (Procedure) Regulations 2012, as amended). Since 2018 there is no time limit on the evidence and the categories were widened to include economic abuse.

• A protective injunction (Non-Molestation Order, Occupation Order, DAPN/DAPO, Restraining Order, Forced Marriage Protection Order, FGM Protection Order).
• A police caution, charge, conviction, or ongoing criminal proceedings against the abuser for a DA offence.
• A letter from any health professional (GP, midwife, health visitor, A&E, mental health worker) confirming you have shown signs consistent with being a victim of DA.
• A letter from a social services / MASH professional confirming you have been assessed as a victim of DA.
• A letter from an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA), refuge manager, or DA support organisation.
• A MARAC referral or letter confirming you have been discussed at MARAC.
• Evidence of being on a DASH 'high risk' grading.
• A letter from your employer / education provider / housing officer / financial provider confirming a DA disclosure.
• Bank statements or texts showing economic abuse (since 2018 Statutory Guidance update).
• A 'verified statement' from any of the above categories where no document exists.

GOV.UK — full evidence list & official forms

3. Means test — income & capital

The means test changed on 12 May 2025 (most generous version in a decade). Current thresholds:

• Gross monthly income under £2,657 (or higher with dependants — add £222 per child to the cap).
• Disposable monthly income under £733 after allowed deductions (rent/mortgage, council tax, childcare, tax/NI, partner/dependant allowances).
• Disposable capital under £8,000 (your share of equity, savings, valuable assets — first £100,000 of trapped home equity is disregarded for DA injunctions).
• Passporting benefits — Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA/ESA, Guarantee Pension Credit — usually means you pass the income test automatically (capital test still applies).
• If you and the abuser are still financially linked, you can request 'one-party' assessment so his income is NOT counted.

Use the official calculator before your appointment so you can hand the solicitor the figures: Check if you can get legal aid (gov.uk).

4. Merits test

The case must have prospects of success of at least 50% (or 60% for higher-cost cases) and the likely benefit must justify the cost. For emergency injunctions the merits test is applied at "emergency standard" — much lower bar — and can be granted same-day.