Access to legal aid is a cornerstone of justice. It ensures that individuals and families can navigate the legal system regardless of their financial circumstances.
In 2025, there are several significant changes to the UK’s legal aid system, particularly affecting family law. These reforms aim to make legal support more accessible to vulnerable populations.
Expanded Eligibility for Vulnerable Individuals
A notable development is the expansion of legal aid eligibility to over six million additional people. This focuses on victims of domestic abuse and children. Key changes include:
Domestic Abuse Victims on Universal Credit:
Those seeking protective orders can now access legal aid without undergoing a means test.
Shared Housing Situations:
Individuals living with their abuser will benefit from adjustments where disputed or inaccessible assets are excluded from financial assessments.
Coercive Control Cases:
Victims can obtain legal help without needing to access funds from joint assets.
These measures aim to reduce barriers for those in precarious situations, ensuring timely legal assistance.
Learn more about Access to vital legal support extended to millions of vulnerable people
Enhanced Online Eligibility Tool
To simplify the process of determining legal aid eligibility, the government has launched an improved online service.
Improving User Experience
This tool allows individuals to assess their qualification status using straightforward language. This covers over 15 areas of civil law, including family law. The redesign focuses on user experience, making it easier for people to understand and navigate their options.
Learn more about Redesigning and rebuilding ‘Check if you can get legal aid’
Financial Eligibility Adjustments
While some changes have been implemented, others are pending:
Means Test Reforms:
Adjustments to the financial eligibility criteria have been proposed to bring more individuals within the scope of legal aid. The authorities have not updated the legal aid means test in line with inflation since 2009.
Since then, prices have risen by 40%. This means fewer people are eligible for legal aid each year and may be unable to access justice. However, there is a delay to the implementation of these changes until 2026.
Learn more about how legal aid means test changes are delayed until 2026.
Disregarded Payments:
Certain compensation payments, such as those for modern slavery victims and miscarriage of justice, are now excluded from financial assessments. This potentially increases eligibility for affected individuals.
How Maria Fogg Family Law Can Assist
Navigating the complexities of legal aid can be daunting. Maria Fogg Family Law is committed to guiding clients through the eligibility assessment and application process. Our experienced team can help determine your qualification status and provide the necessary support to access the legal assistance you deserve. Learn more about legal aid services here.
