Currently going through a horrible divorce with an abusive ex. Various forms of abuse from emotional and financial as well as coercive control.
I am in debt due to having to move out of the family home and rehouse myself and our two young children so literally can't afford to get any further legal advice from my solicitor. But I need to know where I stand and I need legal advice for our children custody dispute and our financial settlement hearing.
I have spoken to various domestic abuse organisations who have all said it's blatant domestic abuse and I'm entitled to legal aid based on that but I am having such a hard time gaining the evidence I need to obtain legal aid because no one seems to be taking me seriously... possibly because it's not physical abuse.
I work part time but with my universal credit added in unfortunately my monthly incomings are just over the monthly threshold allowed to qualify (even though my bills, debt etc are very high and my disposable income is very low). I've read lots online about "passporting" if I'm on universal credit but when I've done the online calculator to check if I'm eligible it doesn't say anything about them not taking my universal credit into it?
Can anyone explain what "passporting" to free legal advice means in terms of universal credit and legal aid?
Also I was told this morning my a national domestic abuse helpline that even if I qualify under domestic abuse grounds I'd still need to qualify on incomings as well (i.e. I'd still have to be under the threshold even with domestic abuse).
I'm so confused and have been passed around the houses so much. It's no wonder people don't know where to turn, give up and then lose out in court to abusive partners. The system is so flawed.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!