Is Legal Aid a loan?

My STBX has written me a letter in connection with contact arrangements for the boys. In this letter he states that he is about to receive compensation for a motorcyle accident.

If he receives this lump sum should this money be used against his legal aid? He had legal aid in connection with contact with the children (long story: violence towards kids and me / alcoholism / supervised contact / now has unsupervised alternate Saturdays).

Thanks

hi, why has he told you about the compensation?
Sometimes in my experience legal aid is not paid back, it tends to be weighed against what the normal income is for a person, if that income falls short then you qualify for legal aid.
One would assume to help the state that if any money came to that person or their earnings increased they could pay back some legal aid. But I think its one of those situations where is doesnt happen, hence why its being looked at presently.
I shouldnt worry yourself too much about your stbx also, let him sort his own financial details out.

Hiya,

Please read this info on the Statutory Charge (paying back legal aid)

www.legalservices.gov.uk/leaflets/lsc/st...arge%28apr%2903.html

It seems its only payable during the financial aspect, when one or both parties are using legal aid and will pay back all or part of it from their financial gains.

I'm not sure how things are assessed with the Contact aspect or the fact that this compensation has not yet been received.

WR

A lump sum will affect ongoing entitlement to legal aid. In this case, legal aid will probably be withdrawn when the money is received as there has to be a reassessment of means.

Charles

Charles - thank you. That makes sense.

Bobbinalong - I asked him to provide pocket money for DS1's school trip which is going to cost me £2,500. Also just miffed with whole way he conducts himself. And I bought the sodding motorbike and the leathers and helmet and paid the insurance in the first place. But that is another issue entirely. Really, I want a word with the woman who hit him - cos in my opinion she didn't hit him hard enough!!!

Love it!