Court costs

[Flopsy]

This is probably a how long is a piece of string question….
Does anyone have a rough idea on how much it is to change a court order with the help of a solicitor?
And also the cost if the other parent doesn’t agree?

[Anonymous]

£230 for the court papers
£250/290 per hour plus vat for a solicitor
£3000 for a barrister for a day

Sadly probably £5k+

[RedGiraffe]

Are you entitled to legal aid? Have a look into it!

[Flopsy]

I’m not sure if I qualify. I think I would based on income but I’m not in a refuge or in the relationship still. I’m scared to check in case I’m not eligible, as daft as that sounds. The thought of not being able to afford representation is really triggering.

[Lisa]

Hi Flopsy,

Understandably your anxious about being told certain help might not be available. To find out whether you are eligible for assistance from the Community Legal Services Fund (legal aid), you could contact the Community Legal Service. The website has a legal aid calculator, which will advise on eligibility. They are available on 0845 345 43 45, 9am – 5pm. The website is available at http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/civil.asp.
Additionally, if you are in need of free legal advice you could contact Rights of Women. They are a voluntary organisation that offer free confidential legal advice over the phone. The Family law advice line offers advice on DV & abuse, divorce and civil partnership dissolution, relationship breakdown, issues relating to children. Their website at http://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk includes details and opening times for their specialist legal advice helplines and details on eligibility for legal aid in respect of domestic violence.
You could see if there might be an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) available to attend court with you to help put your best case forward. You can search for your local domestic abuse service here and ask if this type of service is available.
I hope this helps.

Lisa

[Author]

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