Funding

Private funding and eligibility for legal aid

Costs should be dealt with fully at the first meeting with the client. Advice must be given as to the availability of legal aid, even if public funding work is not undertaken. Where publicly funded work is undertaken and eligibility ascertained, an explanation must be given of the statutory charge and the payment of any required contributions.

One of the most common causes of complaints by clients arises from a lack of clarity around costs. Being clear on costs at the outset in a client care letter, and as the matter progresses, can help prevent this. Practitioners should ensure that clients receive the best possible information about how their matter will be priced and, both at the time of engagement and when appropriate as their matter progresses, about the likely overall cost of the matter and any costs incurred.

See Practice Notes: Private funding—family proceedings, Client care—family law, Eligibility for family legal aid and The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regime for family lawyers.

Sears