Hi there, hoping someone might be able to answer my questions about LA as I'm hoping I may be eligible.
Firstly, I understand that I would need to repay the costs out of any settlement reached during the divorce. But I have also been told that my H's legal fees would be taken out of the matrimonial pot before splitting. I suspect at these early stages that he has gone to a top London firm (no doubt at high cost) whereas I am using an out-of-town recommended LA solicitor. We disagree about the fundamental issue of residency of the children and I suspect our case will, very sadly, go to court.
Secondly, if my lawyer charges say £250ph for private legal work, what would I be charged per hour for her with LA? I understand from a MN lawyer that it would be less. I know I need to ask her about this but am nervous about unintentially causing offence to her. So far I am pleased with the small amount of contact and am trying to minimise it until I know that I can receive LA - she knows I have no access to money at the moment.
I completely understand what has been said to me about LA lawyers - that they are underpaid and overworked - not necessarily 'worse' than the high end lawyers who won't do legal aid in the first place. In my paranoid (read: terrified) state about 'losing everything' (H's threat to me if this proceeds) and eventually about possibly losing the access to my children that I think is right and in their interest, I really want to know that I'm doing the right thing with the lawyer I have and not compromising the result I'll get.
Sorry for any confusing ramble - really am so nervous at this stage. :(