Family Law matters fall under civil law. You may qualify for Civil Legal Assistance "if your income, after paying essential expenses such as your mortgage, tax and childcare, is £26,239 or less."

The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) have detailed information about eligibility on their website.

Alternatively, you can use the SLAB calculator to work out your egibility for advice and assistance in civil, criminal or children's cases.

Advice and assistance is the sort of legal aid you would normally get at the beginning of a case.

Civil legal aid pays for a solictor to represent you in a civil court. There is a separate SLAB calculator for civil legal aid.

If you are unsure about whether you qualify you can call the Financial Assessment Unit on 0845 123 2330.

Legal aid applications are not only subject to a financial test. The merits of your case will also be tested. SLAB have an information leaflet for Civil legal aid applicants available on their website.

Even if you qualify for advice and assistance and/or civil legal aid you may still have to pay a contribution towards the costs.

SLAB do not provide legal advice.

Last updated on July 2, 2012 by FNF Scotland