Financial Help for People on Low Incomes

If you are separating and receive a low income you will probably be able to claim from a number of sources of financial assistance. From tax credits and benefits through to assistance with childcare to free legal advice and representation - if you are eligible you should consider applying.
Legal Aid
If you are on a low income you will almost certainly be able to receive legal aid. If you are on benefits you are definitely eligible. If not, your income and capital must be within the recommended financial threshold. Just ask your solicitor and you can make an application together. Remember the process might take a little while to go through so apply as early as possible. Legal aid comes in a number of forms:- Legal Help: Help drawing up and completing legal forms and documents.
- Help at Court: A solicitor speaks on your behalf at hearings.
- Help at Mediation: Legal advice if you are attending mediation sessions.
- General Family Help: Help specifically to resolve family disputes.
- Legal Representation: This can be investigative help as well as full representation at court.
Law Centres and Other Options
Depending on your specific circumstances you may be able to get some or all of the above forms of help. If you are not eligible, try your local Law Centre (link to article on CABs and Law Centres?). They offer free advice to anyone regardless of their circumstances.Also, some solicitors give free legal assistance on the basis that the client will pay a portion of the costs once a settlement on property or capital has been made. If you do not have much money, are not eligible for state assistance but want proper representation, this may be the right option for you.
Tax and Benefits
If you are the only adult in your household you will be considered a separate individual by the Inland Revenue, and will be eligible for a 25% reduction in council tax. You may also be eligible for a number of other tax credits, depending on your income. If you have children no matter what your income you can claim basic Child Benefit.All tax credits are means-tested, but you may be surprised what you are eligible for as a single parent, even if your earnings are relatively high. Credits are divided into a basic family ‘element’ and a child element for each of your dependants. You can claim the entire family element of £547 even if you earn £55,000 per year. The child elements are awarded at the maximum level of £1,760 if you earn less than £16,000. Above that threshold they start to reduce the amount.
Remember that once you apply for benefits, the Child Support Agency becomes involved. As part of a divorce settlement involving children, the court will usually consider what the CSA would recommend if it were asked to make a ruling regarding residency and maintenance. The ground rules about what constitutes a fair settlement and related maintenance payment issues are set by the CSA.
Re: Becoming Intentionally Homeless: Your Rights
hi myself and my husband have our own bungalow and he has very poor health we have been taking about moving…
Re: Buying Your Ex Out of the Family Home
Me and my wife separated after 15 years of marriage 5 months ago, I am divorcing her under adultery directly with the…
Re: Protecting Your Assets in a New Relationship
Hello, I am looking to protect my property as I wish to move my pregnant partner in. Before I do so I wish to…
Re: Dividing Your Assets Before Divorce
I separated from my wife 2 years ago and let her live in the house and walked away with only my clothes, everything else…
Re: Can I Legally Force My Ex to Sell Our Property?
My mum and dad divorced in Feb after 45 years of marriage. My mum still lives in the property (dad has…
Re: Can I Legally Force My Ex to Sell Our Property?
I’m currently on pension and wanting to relocate abroad. I have suggested to my wife we sell the…
Re: Changed Your Mind About a Divorce?
Hi, I have filed a divorce and after my wife receiving the papers, she has signed the acknowledgement papers with no…
Re: Buying Your Ex Out of the Family Home
Hi, Need some advice please. I'm divorced and had a joint mortgage with my ex. We agreed that I continue to live in…
Re: A Partner Who is Addicted to Alcohol or Drugs
I have been married for 35 years, the last 10 of which my wife has been an alcoholic - lately worse than…
Re: Can I Legally Force My Ex to Sell Our Property?
Hi my marriage of 23 years has come to an end. I am going to stay with a friend for a few months to sort…