Children's services

Legal aid

What is legal aid?

Legal aid is money from the government that will pay a solicitor or a legal representative to act on your behalf. In some cases, you may have to contribute to the cost of a solicitor, but only when you have the money to do so.

Criminal legal aid

If you are arrested and held in custody at the police station, you have the right to see the duty solicitor, free of charge. If you are charged with a criminal offence and have to attend court, you will automatically receive legal aid for representation in court if you are under 16, or under 18 and in full-time education.

Civil legal aid

Civil cases include things like debt, family or housing problems. To get legal aid, you usually need to show you cannot afford to pay for legal costs and your problem is serious. Civil cases may consider the financial circumstances of your parents or carer in assessing whether you qualify for legal aid. You can check if you’re eligible for civil legal aid on the government website.

On this page
What is legal aid?
Criminal legal aid
Civil legal aid

This information is correct at the time of writing, August 14, 2025. The law in this area is subject to change.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre cannot be held responsible if changes to the law outdate this publication. Individuals may print or photocopy information in CCLC publications for their personal use.

Professionals, organisations and institutions must obtain permission from the CCLC to print or photocopy our publications in full or in part.

This information is correct at the time of writing, August 14, 2025. The law in this area is subject to change.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre cannot be held responsible if changes to the law outdate this publication. Individuals may print or photocopy information in CCLC publications for their personal use.

Professionals, organisations and institutions must obtain permission from the CCLC to print or photocopy our publications in full or in part.