How to submit a Civ/Sol
application
Introduction
In this topic we are going to look at how to submit a Civ/Sol application.
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short form. You can also request further training via a webinar or check out the
other guidance materials in the e-learning section of the LAOL information hub.
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Caution
The Legal Aid Online screens used in this topic are simply for explaining the
system’s functionality and therefore do not demonstrate any sequential process.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
To create a civil application, click on the ‘Civil’ tab and then select either; ‘Civ Sol
Family’ or ‘Civ Sol Non Family’.
Solicitor Details
You should then complete the mandatory fields marked ‘*’ then select ‘next step’
The branch code defaults to the branch you have been registered at.
You can change the branch code by clicking on the
downward arrow.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Local Agent
Where the application is non family you can add local agents details if they have
been instructed.
If you select ‘Yes’ to the question: ‘Do you have a locate agent acting for this
case?’, additional fields will appear for you to enter the local agent details.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Applicant
If the applicant previously applied for legal aid you can enter the details and the
select ‘search’. This will pre populate the applicant’s details.
If you are carrying out urgent work you should select ‘Yes’ at the question ‘Special
Urgency Regulation’. This will open an additional tab and you should then
complete all the mandatory questions.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Applicant tab: Applicant’s address.
In this section you must enter the Applicant’s private address. You can also enter a
correspondence address for the applicant if they do not want correspondence to go
to their home address. If you have the postcode you can use this to populate the
address by entering it and selecting the ‘Find Address’ button.
If this data has already automatically entered or if you are editing a draft
application it is important that you check the details are current and amend them
if necessary.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Application Details
In this section you can enter details about the nature of the case.
You must select one primary category code. You will then have the option to select
ancillary categories. You must select all the ancillary categories that apply. If you
select a category in error you should select the ticked box and this will remove the
selection.
Next enter the applicant’s interest in the proceedings using the drop-down list
shown here. You should then select the court type from the drop-down list. Once
you have completed the remainder of the mandatory questions select ‘Next step’
to proceed.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Applicant’s Declaration
Complete the equality questions if the applicant has chosen to answer these.
The client’s signature: For every civil case created online and at the stage of the
first application (SU or Civ/sol) submitted, your firm must get and keep the
client’s signature by using the online declaration form.
You do not have to send us a copy, but these may be checked as part of quality
assurance.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Opponents
Enter the number of opponents and their names and addresses.
If you do not know the opponents address you should leave the field blank. Within
the application you should give some information about the efforts made to find
the opponent’s address, and undertake to let us have this as soon as you know it.
It is not enough to simply say “address unknown” and give no details.
If the identity of the opponent’s solicitor is known, then his or her details can be
provided.
Once you have completed all the questions select ‘Add/update opponent’ to add
the opponent’s details. The opponent’s details should now appear under the
heading ‘opponent’. You have the option to add additional opponents by again
completing the details and select ‘Add/update opponent.
You can remove or edit an opponent’s details if entered in error by selecting
‘Remove’ or ‘Edit’.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Statutory Tests
You should complete all the mandatory questions.
When completing the assessment of prospects you should chose the option that
best fits your opinion on the prospects of the application.
Guidance on how SLAB assesses probable cause and reasonableness is available in
Part 4 Chapter 3 of the Civil Legal Assistance Handbook.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Solicitors Declaration
By signing the declaration you are confirming that you have signed and dated the
form CIV/LAO and that you have retained a copy on file.
Attachments info
You should enter details of the attachments you are uploading/sending. If you are
not sending corroboration or other supporting documentation you should provide
details why supporting documentation is not necessary or not available.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Statutory Statement
You should provide a brief summary of the reasons why the applicant is applying
for legal aid.
A copy of the information entered is sent to the opponent therefore you should not
include any information you do not wish them to view.
Examples of how to complete the statutory statement can be found in paragraph
1.10 of Part 4 Chapter 1 of the Civil Legal Assistance Handbook.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Financial Eligibility – Form 1
You should complete all the mandatory questions relating to the applicant and
their partner if appropriate.
If the client (or their partner) is not in receipt of a passport benefit the client will
need to complete a Form 2 and you will need to submit this with the application.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Create Attachments
You should now upload the attachments. When adding attachments it is important
that you select the correct document type.
Submitting the application
When you are ready to submit the application, select ‘Complete Application’. If
you do not select this the application will remain at the draft stage and will not be
sent to SLAB.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
Confirmation
The confirmation message will show the status of the application. Once we have
carried out the initial checks we will send you a notification containing the case
reference number. We aim to send you this within two working days.
Notifications
We will keep you up to date on the progress of the application by sending
notifications when a decision has been made or when further information is
required. Clicking on the message will fully open the notification. You can also
view the full case by clicking on the view case icon.
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How to submit a Civ/Sol application.
You have now completed this topic. You should return to the E-learning webpage if
you wish to look at other guidance.
What’s next?
Now that you have completed this topic, you can:
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save it to an appropriate hard drive, network location or
memory stick.
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print it out.
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