Legal Aid

	If you require Legal Aid, look for a Solicitor that displays the Legal Aid Logo. Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service keep a list of Solicitors complying with Legal Aid in this area.
	Make sure you bring with you the details of the problem and also details of how much money you have, salary, pension or benefit books and details of any savings you may have.
	One of the Solicitors of Murray Little & Knox will see you for up to half an hour without charge to give you advice about your case and to advise if your problem will qualify for other Legal Aid or Legal Advice and Assistance.

	Some problems can be dealt with without going to Court and Legal Advice Assistance may be suitable. The Solicitor advising you will enquire about the money you have received over the last week and if you have any savings then we will be able to tell you if you qualify for Legal Aid and if you have to contribute something towards your legal costs.
	If you are on income supportor Jobseekers Allowance, you will qualify, but otherwise you may have to pay something towards Legal Aid.
	Legal Aid will cover the whole of your Solicitors bill, unless you are required to pay a contribution, or if you recover some money from the legal action the Legal Aid Board may ask you to pay the Solicitor's bill out of any money so gained.
	Advice and Assistance does not cover your Solicitor appearing in Court to represent your case, and if your case is going to Court, you need Civil Legal Aid.
	Actions that qualify include divorce, accidents, payment actions. Defamation, small claims and simplified divorces may not qualify.
	The Scottish Legal Aid Board will inform you of their decision and how that decision was reached. If you believe that the decision is wrong, your Solicitor can appeal against it.
	The Scottish Legal Aid Board will pay the costs of your own Solicitor, but you may have to pay the costs of the other party, if you lose the case. If you qualify for Legal Aid you may not have to pay the full amount if your Solicitor states to the Court that you are receiving help. If the case appears in Court and you agree to pay the other side's expenses, you will be required to pay their costs in full.