8. Do I need to file my Defence in the proceedings while waiting for the outcome of my Legal Aid application?

8. Do I need to file my Defence in the proceedings while waiting for the outcome of my Legal Aid application?

In general, you do not need to take any step in the proceedings for 42 days pending the outcome of your Legal Aid application.

Upon receipt of your Legal Aid application, the Director of Legal Aid will immediately file at court a memorandum of notification. Once this memorandum is filed, the court proceedings will automatically be put on hold for 42 days. No step needs to be taken by either party in the proceedings during this 42-day period (unless the court makes an order shortening the period). The purpose is to give the Director of Legal Aid sufficient time to process the Legal Aid application and, in case Legal Aid is granted, to allow the responsible Legal Aid officer or lawyer to review the relevant papers and do the necessary preparation.