Children’s legal assistance research contributes to policy discussions and reform
9 April 2025
Series of research reports on children’s legal assistance after engagement with the profession, stakeholders and those who have had a Children's Panel Hearing.
Civil
Invoices for family mediation, supervised contact, or supported contact
9 April 2025
Clarifying information required in support of any claims for family mediation, supervised contact or supported contact.
Civil
Procedure for applying for legal aid for Fatal Accident Inquiries for a death in custody
7 April 2025
A temporary measure providing access to free representation for families involved in deaths in custody in relation to any FAI has been put in place.
All solicitor updates
Keycards updated for new dependants’ allowances coming into force on 7 April 2025
3 April 2025
This update explains changes to the Keycards, including new dependants’ allowances, requirements for documentary evidence and declaration signatures.
Civil
Policy and decision-makers’ guidance published for prior approval for counsel in civil cases
26 March 2025
This sets out the key decision made by us in assessing a request for prior approval for the employment of counsel
Children's
Policy and decision-makers’ guidance published for assessing the merits of a children’s ABWOR application
26 March 2025
Our approach to these applications is not changing and our existing legal aid guidance for solicitors on the SLAB website remains the same
All solicitor updates
Keycards updated as new Regulations add to lists of disregarded payments when assessing applications
20 March 2025
This update explains changes to the Keycards as a result of new regulations which come into force on 21 March 2025
All solicitor updates
New Transfer and Cease to act online forms go live on 24 March
20 March 2025
Update about new online Transfer and Cease to act online application forms, with two videos to demonstrate the new screens
General
Determination by Scottish Ministers: Denise Clair
6 March 2025
Scottish Ministers have made a determination in exercise of the powers conferred by section 4(2)(c) of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986.
Civil
Updated guidance for applicants fleeing or in an abusive or controlling relationship
3 March 2025
We have updated our guidance to explain that we can use our discretion to either disregard income or capital where we consider it reasonable to do so
