Would I qualify for Legal Aid?

[poppyseedrolls]

I'm about to embark on a divorce application.
I'm a single parent, work part time in a relatively low paid role, supplemented by Universal Credit. I have less than £100 in savings.

How would I go about seeing whether I'm eligible to apply for Legal Aid? And, if I'm eligible for it, would I be able to use it to pay for the divorce?

I expect the divorce to be very straightforward. We've been apart for 7 years, one shared child who lives with me (although my husband never showed any interest in the child when living with us), no joint assets in terms of savings/property.

Last I heard, husband had returned to his country of origin. I have no idea of current whereabouts/address.

I own a property in my own right, couple of years after leaving him,

Probably not:

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/getting-help-and-advice/divorce-and-separation-advice/legal-aid-and-other-help-if-you-cant-afford-divorce-or-separation-fees

Main exception involves people subject to violence/abuse.

Thanks for replying. I was subject to violence and abuse from him. That's why I fled the marriage with our baby. I have police reports and Family Court paperwork where the abuse is documented. Or would I need to be subjected to ongoing abuse to qualify? Thankfully, I've not had any more abuse from him (other than name calling) since leaving.

Legal aid in family law is extremely limited and for those with experience of abuse. BUT you really don't need a solicitor in my opinion.

You can make the application online. There's a fee but look at help on fees if you're a low income holder you may qualify for now or reduced fees. It's really straight forward to do.

Then you just need an order on your finances. If ex is not in touch this could be harder but again you make an application online and the court talks you through the rest. You really do need a financial order though or else in theory he could come back for finances at a later stage and if you now own your own home you need to make sure its protected.

Good luck. You can absolutely do this alone!

Thanks for advice, it's all new to me so wasn't really sure where to start.
Would I have to declare my property even though he's had no input into it? I'd want to keep my finances private from him tbh.

It depends if there is agreement or not. If you agree to the financial settlement and submit a consent order then you fill out a joint form called a D81 which sets out in general terms the nature of the assets of each party.

If it's contested then there is significant financial disclosure including 12 months bank accounts for all accounts, property Valuations etc

As you are married everything you both own goes in the "pot" to be considered. The fact that you bought the property 2 years after separation means it's really unlikely he'd be awarded anything but you would have to declare it.

Hope that helps.