civil law sector

• in terms of government funding, what does the civil legal advice compnay do?

  It provides advice on civil cases such as debt, housing, domestic violence, special education needs and discrimination. It's very popular, between 2015 and 2016 it had approx 160000 calls
• in terms of civil cases, what can the citizen's advice office do?

  It can offer advice for those on low incomes
• what areas of the law are funded by the government?

  Tort and contract are no longer covered, howecer issues which affect children's rights or the liberty of an individual are funded
• If you are applying for civil funding, how are you tested?

  You will have a means test
• What is meant by a means test?

  Your financial circumstances are assesed- you will only qualify for civil funding if your income falls below a certain threshold
• what are the two factors tested in means testing?

  The Claimant's disposable income and disposable capital
• How is a claimant's disposable income tested when getting means tested?

  Their gross income per month must be below a certain threshold. If so, the applicant's disposable income is calculated by deducting fees like national income or tax; the individual may qualify fully or partially so that they make some contributions.
• how is a claimant's disposable capital tested when getting means tested?

  Disposable capital is the applicant's savings- the maximum number for this is £8000- the value of the applicant's home is also taken into account, even if there is a mortgage. Only the first £100000 of the mortgage is deducted,