Legal aid

A solicitor has told me that although I would probably win in court, it wouldn't be worth it as it would cost more than I would gain. Recently I've successfully applied for the ESA benefit and thus become eligible for legal aid. Three companies have not responded to voicemail. Am I barking up the wrong tree trying to get legal aid do you think?

Perhaps I should add that I understand that legal aid is only available if there has been domestic violence which there has not. It is just that I can't believe that I can only get justice if I can afford it :|

Some background - me and ex both in our 50s, she has a house, we married in 2015, I took on her mortgage and all finances, we separate, she says we are "quits" because she did the homemaker/domestic work. I think that due to legal precedent (Foster v Foster 2002) I am due half the rise in value of the house since that is the "matrimonial asset". A solicitor agreed but says that it isn't worth pursuing because half the rise in value would be around £15 and it would cost between £30 and £40 to take her to court.

Can anyone point me towards the light here?

After a short childless marriage you tend to leave with what you came with.

£30-£40k sounds like a big quote from the solicitor! Have you asked for any other quotes?

Will just cost you the application fee if you represent yourself.

If you are on a low income, you can apply for fee remission and help with mediation costs.

Get help paying court and tribunal fees - www.gov.uk/get-help-with-court-fees


Mediation has to be tried before you apply to court.


You can self represent. This site has several cost effective services designed to support litigants in person.

Hadenoughnow