News story: Civil news: funding in international child rights of access cases

New guidance is available to help you with funding applications concerning international disputes about rights access to a child.

The new ‘Quick Guide’ is available online on the CCMS training website. It will help you with the application process.

This is for non-means/non-merits tested applications in relation to article 21 of the 1980 Hague Convention. Here are 3 of the most important points highlighted in the new guidance:

Document upload

Remember to use the document upload facility to attach a copy of the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) letter before submitting the application.

Substantive applications only

The application can only be submitted as a substantive application. No work can be carried out until the certificate has been granted.

Urgent applications

In urgent cases, applications can be prioritised. If you would like to request an urgent consideration of your application for an article 21 case, you can notify the Legal Aid Agency of the urgency.

You can do this by emailing:

Peter.Reed@legalaid.gsi.gov.uk

Stephen.Spittlehouse@legalaid.gsi.gov.uk

Pamela.Read@legalaid.gsi.gov.uk

Further information

CCMS training website – see ‘Article 21 1980 Hague Convention Applications’ under ‘making an initial application’.