We are a private law firm registered to receive a grant of legal aid to run a family law or family violence case.
To qualify for a grant of legal aid, your legal problem must be within the Victoria Legal Aid guidelines (the merits test). You must also pass a means test.
Merits Test
The Victorian Legal Aid guidelines contain different merits tests for different legal problems. In assessing the merits of your legal problem, Victoria Legal Aid will consider some of the following:
- whether you are likely to succeed in your legal problem
- whether a court proceeding is likely to end well for you
- whether a careful person with limited money would risk their own money to pay for the legal action
- whether it is in the interests of justice that a grant is provided
Means Test
The means test assesses whether you can afford to pay for your lawyer. Victoria Legal Aid will look at your income, assets and expenses to determine whether you can afford to pay for your lawyer. If anyone else gives your financial support, such as a family member or partner, Victoria Legal Aid will also assess that person’s income, assets and expenses.
Call us on 03 9111 9922 to determine whether you are eligible for a grant of legal aid from Victoria Legal Aid.