OUR MISSION & AIM The commission will promote fair and equal access to justice in Northern Ireland in it's provision of publicly funded legal services.

Our aim is to provide high quality, customer focused services that target those in greatest need and demonstrate value for money.


  FAQS CATEGORY LIST
We have identified some of the most 'frequently asked questions' experienced by each of our business areas. This list is not exhaustive but it is hoped its content will provide you with useful guidance.
Children Order Cases Family Care Centre
For fees in Children Order cases conducted in the Family Care Centre a time-based claim for assessment is made - see the guidance below.
  There are 12 FAQs in this category
Q: What forms do I use to request payment?
A: You need a REP 1 Report on Case along with Article 3 certificates for both the solicitor and the counsel (if granted by the court) Counsel’s signed markings, original receipts for any outlay being claimed and an itemised Bill of Costs. The Commission would prefer that Bills are typed and not hand written.
Q: Do I need to send medical reports?
A: In certain cases yes, if a specific authority has been granted under the certificate to obtain specialised reports not normally covered by the General Medical Authority these reports will need to be submitted with the documents above along with the original receipt for payment. This information is required by the Commission to fulfil internal and external audit requirements.
Q: Do I have to send my complete file on the case?
A: No; provided all the information listed above has been submitted then it will not be necessary to send the solicitor’s file. The Commission may request additional information and in some instances request files for perusal and audit requirements.
Q: What if I cannot obtain a copy of Counsel’s markings can I still send my REP 1 for payment?
A: No. At present the payment of Counsels fees are made via the solicitor, under the existing Civil regulations there are no provisions to pay direct to Counsel.
Q: Will the Commission refuse to accept a Bill of Costs drawn up by a Professional Cost Drawer?
A: No; provided all work is itemised to include letters, telephone calls and preparation, then a drawn bill will be accepted. However the Commission will not be responsible for any fees charged by the Cost Drawer for preparation of the bill.
Q: Why has my REP 1 been queried by the Commission?
A: There are numerous reasons for this to happen e.g.
1. No Article 3 certificates submitted with the REP 1
2. No Counsel markings or reports submitted
3. Counsel fail to sign fee notes
4. Outlay not properly vouched
5. Letters and Telephone calls not itemised
6. Preparation not itemised
7. No information given regarding other proceedings ongoing, covered by another certificate and dealt with by the same court on the same day
8. Perusal claimed but number of pages perused not specified
9. Computerised accounts submitted do not specify fee earner
10. Wrong certificate number quoted
11. Outcome of proceedings not clearly stated
Q: Do I have to itemise all work done under a certificate?
A: Yes, these details are required to enable the Commission to undertake assessment of your fees.
Q: Can I claim uplifts as a Panel Member?
A: Yes- If a solicitor is a member of the Children Order Panel then an automatic 5% is added to the fees but if a solicitor fails to provide the Commission with confirmation that he/she is a member of the panel then no uplift will be generated.
Q: Do I get a fee for each child or certificate?
A: No. Article 3 Certificates should be issued, and are paid, on a per case basis.
Q: If I have already submitted a case for payment using an old Additional Claim Form, do I need to complete and submit a new Additional Claim Form?
A: The Commission will endeavour to issue payment on all cases already submitted using the June 2005 Settlement application form. This may mean that Commission staff will contact you for additional information to assist in processing your claim as quickly as possible.

Q: Does a certificate for divorce cover an application for leave to issue an amended or second petition?
A: YES, but continued cover under the certificate will depend on whether or not the record number of the amended or second petition changes.
Q: 8. (B) If a petition for divorce is issued on foot of a civil aid certificate & the other side issues their own petition can the certificate be amended to defend this petition?
A: (B) NO, The separate petition issued by the other side will bear a different record number. In this instance a fresh application to defend the petition.
   TERMS & CONDITIONS