What is a Legal Services Payment Order (LSPO)?
A Legal Services Payment Order (LSPO) is a special type of Court Order that the Family Court can make. It allows the court to require one party to pay money towards the other’s legal fees while the case is ongoing.
This is different from the usual Costs Orders made at the end of divorce or financial remedy proceedings. A LSPO is designed to make sure that both sides have equal access to legal advice and representation during the case.
When can you apply for an LSPO?
The Family Court can only make an LSPO if it is satisfied that, without the Order, you would not be able to obtain the legal representation you reasonably need. When deciding whether to grant one, the Judge will look at:
- Your ability to pay your own fees – do you have savings, assets, or income available?
- Other funding options – could you obtain a litigation loan or have an agreement with your solicitor where fees are repaid from your settlement?
- The other party’s ability to contribute – can your ex afford to help pay your costs without being left unable to fund their own representation?
- The overall fairness of the case – ensuring both sides have the resources to put forward their case properly.
Key principles from cases that guide the Family Court
The courts have developed clear principles around LSPOs:
- LSPOs are usually limited to future costs, and applicants must show they have tried and failed to secure a litigation loan or other funding.
- Legal costs budgets must be reasonable and proportionate, and LSPOs will generally cover funding only up to the next key stage of proceedings, such as a Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) Court Hearing, rather than all the way to a Final Hearing.
Why LSPOs matter in divorce cases
For many people, an LSPO can be the difference between being properly represented and being left to face complex financial remedy proceedings alone. The law recognises that financial control should not translate into an unfair advantage in divorce proceedings.
Put simply, LSPOs are about equality of arms—ensuring both parties have a fair opportunity to present their case.
How Parachute Law can help
At Parachute Law, we specialise in helping clients across England and Wales navigate the complexities of financial remedy proceedings, including Applications for Legal Services Payment Orders. As a modern, fully remote family law firm, we can advise and represent you wherever you are.
We will:
- Assess whether you may qualify for an LSPO
- Prepare the application and evidence the court requires
- Ensure your costs budget is realistic and persuasive
- Fight for fairness so you are not left at a disadvantage
Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Services Payment Orders (LSPOs)
Can I get an LSPO to cover past legal bills?
Generally, LSPOs are designed to cover future divorce legal costs rather than debts you’ve already built up. However, in limited situations, the Family Court may allow them to be used for past bills if, for example, your solicitor would otherwise stop acting for you and you’d be left unrepresented.
What if the court refuses my LSPO Application?
If an LSPO is refused, it usually means the court believes you can fund your case another way—for example, through a litigation loan or an agreement with your solicitor to defer payment until after settlement. At Parachute Law, we can help you explore these funding options.
Will I have to pay the money back later?
The Family Court can require you to give an Undertaking (a formal promise) to repay some or all of the funds if, when the case ends, your financial position justifies it. Each case depends on its facts, but we’ll advise you carefully before you give such an undertaking.
How long will an LSPO cover my divorce costs for?
Most LSPOs are made to cover costs up to the next major stage in your case—commonly the Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) Court Hearing. If more funds are needed after that stage, a fresh Application may be required.
Can Parachute Law help me apply for an LSPO?
Absolutely. Our experienced family law solicitors prepare applications for LSPOs across England and Wales. We’ll prepare the application, supporting evidence, and costs budget the court will expect to see, ensuring your case is presented clearly and persuasively.
Take the first step today
If you are worried about affording legal fees during your divorce or financial remedy proceedings, don’t struggle alone. Contact our experienced family law team for clear advice on your options.
Call us on 0207 183 4547
Email us at thelegalteam@parachutelaw.co.uk
Contact Parachute Law Today
Call us on: 0207 183 4547
Email us at thelegalteam@parachutelaw.co.uk
For more information on divorce and financial settlments click on the links below:
Why More UK Couples Are Too Broke to Divorce – A Cost of Living Crisis
Supreme Court Clarifies Asset Division in Divorce – Standish v Standish (July 2025
