What will it cost?

Education law and community care law

When you first contact us, we always arrange a free initial telephone advice session with one of our experienced advisors.

This advice will include an initial view on your legal entitlements, and, where appropriate, practical advice on steps you can take yourself to deal with the problem.

Our advice will also deal with the question of cost. We will explore with you the alternatives to paying privately. Cover for legal costs is not a clear-cut issue in the areas of the law in which we specialise, as the availability of public funding (formerly known as legal aid) in the name of the pupil varies according to the type of case.

Insurance cover is rarely available for the type of court actions we normally need to take in education and community care law but you should check whether you may be covered by legal expenses insurance. Your household contents policy may include legal expenses cover. Some bank accounts, car insurance and credit cards also provide such cover.

If you are on a low income, we may be able to provide free advice under the Legal Help scheme, which can meet part or all of the costs. In addition we can offer a reduced fee for people who receive Working Tax Credit but are not financially eligible for legal aid.

If full public funding would be available in your case, we will make the application to the Legal Service Commission. Because we have a full franchise in education law, we are able to grant emergency funding ourselves in suitable cases.

To find out more about how we can help you, please contact Maxwell Gillott Solicitors.