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Check your options: legal aid for divorce

Answer a few questions to see which routes are worth trying. This is a guide only — the official checker and a legal aid provider make the real decision.

Private by design: your answers stay in your browser. Nothing is sent to us or anyone else, and nothing is saved. Closing the page clears them.

This checker needs JavaScript, which is switched off or hasn’t loaded. Use the official Check if you can get legal aid service instead, or read our guide.

1. Where do you live? England or Wales Scotland Northern Ireland United States

2. What do you need help with? (tick all that apply) The divorce itself Arrangements for children Money, property or pensions Mediation Protection from abuse or harassment (for example a non-molestation order) Social services are taking (or planning) court action about my child

3. Has your husband, wife or ex been abusive to you — or is there a risk they will be?

This includes controlling behaviour, emotional abuse, financial control, threats, harassment or violence [GOV.UK].

Yes No Not sure / prefer not to say

3a. Do you have — or could you get — written evidence?

For example from the police, a court, a GP or other health professional, social services, a refuge or domestic abuse service, or your bank. See the full list.

Yes, or I think I could get it Not sure No

4. Is a child at risk of abuse from someone (for example your ex)? Yes No Not sure

4a. Is there written evidence of the risk to the child — or could you get it?

For example a police arrest, caution, charge or conviction for a child abuse offence, a protective injunction, a court finding of fact, or a letter from social services (including about a child protection plan) [LAA guidance].

Yes, or I think I could get it Not sure No

5. Do you get any of these benefits?

Universal Credit · the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit · income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance · income-related Employment and Support Allowance · Income Support

Yes No

5a. Is your gross income £2,657 a month or less?

Before tax. Include a partner you live with — but not your husband or wife if they are the other side in the case (the adviser will confirm how this applies to you).

Yes, £2,657 or less More than that, but I have 5 or more dependent children (the limit rises by £222 a month for the 5th and each further child) No, more than that Not sure

6. Do you have more than £8,000 in savings, investments or other assets — not counting assets you and your ex are arguing over (up to £100,000 of those is ignored)?

In a divorce, most shared savings and the family home are usually “in dispute”, and up to £100,000 of disputed assets is disregarded [LAA keycard 62]. Different rules can also apply if you’re over State Pension age or disputing ownership of your home [GOV.UK]. If you’re not sure, choose “Not sure”.

No, £8,000 or less Yes, more than that Not sure

How this checker works

It applies the published rules in a simplified way: the scope of family legal aid on GOV.UK [GOV.UK], the evidence rule for domestic abuse and child protection [GOV.UK], and the Legal Aid Agency’s means-test limits from 6 April 2026 [LAA keycard 62]. It can’t assess disposable income (£733 a month limit), contributions, the merits test or exceptions — so a “possible” result means “worth checking officially”, not “you will get it”.

Sources

We only rely on official or recognised sources. Rules and figures change — always check the source before you act.

Legal aid (what you can get, eligibility, domestic abuse, exceptional case funding) — GOV.UK. Content checked 28 September 2026.
Legal aid: financial eligibility — GOV.UK. Content checked 28 September 2026.
Civil legal aid eligibility keycard 62 (from 6 April 2026) — Legal Aid Agency. Content checked 28 September 2026.
Legal aid: domestic abuse or violence — GOV.UK. Content checked 28 September 2026.
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme (guidance) — GOV.UK / Ministry of Justice. Content checked 28 September 2026. The guidance page dates from 2021; for current funding see the Family Mediation Council announcement.
FMC welcomes funding of family mediation voucher scheme for 2026-27 financial year (27 March 2026) — Family Mediation Council. Content checked 28 September 2026.
Family court fees (EX50) — updated 13 July 2026 — HM Courts & Tribunals Service. Content checked 28 September 2026.
Check if you can get legal aid — GOV.UK. Content checked 28 September 2026.