How We Can Help

• Before receiving this document, you will have spoken with our frontline support team. They will ask a few brief questions to understand your situation and determine how we can help, including assessing merits and means. Once basic eligibility is confirmed, the team will send you a document request. 

• We require the requested documents before we can proceed. The request may be sent to you via WhatsApp or email. Please kindly respond to the request as soon as you possibly can (see Step Two for more details).

• Summary of the criteria: 

• • Merits: A strong case involves a serious and recent risk to wellbeing or safety (typically within the past 2–3 weeks), such as physical or sexual harm, stalking/harassment, coercive or controlling behaviour, financial abuse, or similar. Where possible, the incident should be reported to police with a crime reference number.
• • Means: You must meet the financial eligibility criteria set by the Legal Aid Agency. 

At this stage, you will be contacted by our Means Team. They will conduct a “means test” with you – evaluating your income, savings, assets and sometimes your partner’s finances – to establish eligibility for Legal Aid.

Documents typically required: 

• Three months’ bank statements for all bank accounts you hold (uncensored) 

•  A form of ID (photo or screenshot acceptable; photographic ID preferred where possible) 

• Proof of benefits (if applicable) – e.g. Universal Credit benefits letters/screenshots 

Depending on the circumstances, additional documentation may be needed (e.g. tenancy/mortgage agreement). If we do not receive the requested documents, it is unlikely that you will be able to proceed with an application for legal aid (we will advise you on alternative methods). 

At this stage, an experienced caseworker will contact you. If you need any special arrangements, please let us know. Your caseworker will take a statement (15–20 minutes), which the court requires to assess the urgency of your application. We will also ask for relevant background information, but only what is necessary to support your case.

• The court needs evidence of a pattern of abuse in the months before the main incident, not just a single isolated event. Our aim is to ensure your application meets the legal aid and court criteria.

After your statement: 

• We will request any supporting evidence and, if the incident hasn’t been reported to the police, may ask you to do so if you feel able to. Once all information is received, we will prepare your court documents in the correct format, therefore, please send any requested amendments together to avoid delays.

Important notes: 

• These orders are time-sensitive and must be submitted to the court as soon as possible. 
• We aim to complete your casework within 2 days. Please provide any requested information promptly, as delays may affect your eligibility to proceed.

Once your casework is ready, we will pass it to a trusted solicitor from our legal partner network. They will review your case and, if accepted, take over its management.

• After this handover, your solicitor will be your main point of contact and will guide you through the next steps. 

• They will handle any updates or amendments, especially court updates, keeping you informed throughout the process. 

• If you have questions at this stage, we will direct you to the solicitor managing your case, as they are best placed to provide accurate guidance. 

At WEPROTECT, we remain committed to providing you with comprehensive support throughout this challenging time. If you’re having difficulty contacting your solicitor, please let us know. We’re here to help.