HAP recipient challenges refusal to fund court action against ex partner

Woman says decision should be quashed

The High Court heard the woman lacks the means to pay lawyers to act for her, and made an application for legal aid to the Legal Aid Board. Picture: Stock picture, posed by model

A woman who wants to bring family law proceedings against her alleged violent former partner has launched a High Court challenge over the Legal Aid board's refusal to fund her action.

The mother of two, who is reliant on social welfare payments, claims her application for legal aid was turned down because she is in receipt of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).