Don't be afraid to ask! Legal Aid is as old as the National Health Service and is available to anyone needing legal help with any problem provided it concerns English law. Unlike the NHS, there may be a means test and you will have to show your case deserves funding by the State.
Legal aid comes in many forms. It could be help with money problems or benefits and may come through an advice centre. It can provide a solicitor and barrister to defend criminal charges. Or it could help provide mediation in a dispute over children.
In some cases, there is no means test, legal help will be there when it's most needed.
If you are arrested and taken to a Police Station, help from a solicitor on call through the Law Society's Duty Solicitor scheme - or from your own solicitor - is free. So will be representation from your solicitor at the first Court hearing.
Legal Aid is free too, regardless of means, for parents and children in care proceedings.
In nearly all other cases, Legal Aid is subject to a means test. You may well qualify and have to pay a monthly contribution; you may have to pay the cost out of any money or property in dispute. But legal help will be there when you need it.
To check if you are eligible for Legal Aid you can follow this link to the Legal Aid eligibility calculator