Show Cause Letter

A 'show cause' letter is sent to an assisted person by the Legal Aid Certifying Officer before considering whether to revoke or discharge a legal aid certificate. A 'show cause' letter may be issued for the following reasons:

• Your case does not continue to meet the legal merits test
• You have not supplied financial information to the Legal Aid Office when requested to do so
• You have not maintained a reasonable level of contact with your Advocate.

If you receive a 'show cause' letter DO NOT IGNORE IT! 

Contact the Legal Aid Office immediately and explain you have received it. The Legal Aid Office will be able to tell you why it has been issued and what you can do to resolve the situation.

If you ignore a 'show cause' letter your legal aid certificate will either be revoked or discharged. This will almost certainly lead to you becoming liable for the full cost your Advocate.