There have been some relevant changes to our current Legal Aid system. Please read below.
At Higgins Miller we understand that funding your case can be a worry. Our charges are very competitive. We will always work with you to find the best way for you to fund your case. Where possible we offer fixed fees, monthly bills or payment by instalments. We hold a contract with the Legal Aid Agency so for those clients who are eligible we are one of the few firms who will still undertake family cases funded by Legal Aid.
We offer a free initial meeting. At that meeting we can give you an initial assessment of your case, explain how we might be able to help you, discuss likely costs and funding options and assess whether you might be eligible for legal aid.
For people who are not eligible for legal aid we will work with you to find the best way for you to fund your case. We can offer fixed fees, regular monthly payments by standing order or monthly billing. We can agree with you a maximum fee cap.
Our fixed fee scheme allows you to be represented by a solicitor and know how much each step is going to cost you. If you wish you can deal with parts of your case yourself and ask us to deal with other aspects (like court hearings) for an agreed fixed fee. Follow this link for details of our fixed cost scheme and charges.
Legal Aid is available for cases involving children where social services are involved. Where social services are bringing or thinking of bringing care proceedings then Legal Aid is available for any parent or person with parental responsibility regardless of their financial circumstance. In other cases involving social services Legal Aid may be available depending upon financial circumstance.
For victims of domestic abuse who want to apply for an injunction legal aid is available subject to their financial circumstances.
For other family cases such as divorce, children issues or financial issues legal aid may be available, subject to financial circumstance, if certain conditions are met. Follow the link for more details about when legal aid is available. The evidence in support of an application for legal aid in these cases is very specific – details can be found here.
Civil Partnership and Divorce Solicitors Stockport At Higgins Miller we understand that a breakdown of a relationship can be a very traumatic time and we are committed to making the process of divorce or civil partnership dissolution as straightforward and stress-free as possible without incurring necessary costs. 
Financial Issues Upon Separation Following the breakdown of any relationship we are able to offer advice with regard to how to resolve financial disputes. The law in this area is different in relation to married and unmarried couples and we are able to offer advice in both situations. 
Children Disputes and Custody of Children When parents separate there can often be differences of opinion as to who children should live with and how much time they should spend with each of their parents. There are also often difficulties in relation to agreeing what decisions should be made for those children, for example which school a child should attend. 
Social Services and Care Proceedings We understand that when social services become involved in a family’s life it can be extremely stressful for parents and children alike. We aim to offer sensitive and useful advice at all stages of social services involvement with children and families both in and out of court proceedings. 
Protection from Domestic Violence At Higgins Miller we are aware that there are people who are subjected to violence in their own homes on an all-too regular basis. We are able to assist victims of domestic abuse in quickly obtaining the protection that they need from their partners or ex-partners. 
Adoption Process & Special Guardianship At Higgins Miller we are able to assist in relation to all kinds of adoption case including step parent adoption, international adoption or adoption from care we will be able to offer advice on the best course of action for your individual circumstances. 
Prenuptial Agreements and Cohabitation Agreements Pre-nuptial agreements are a fast changing and developing area of law and the courts are becoming more and more willing to recognise them when resolving divorce settlements. 
