On issuing a legal help divorce petition recently in my local county court, I received the usual notice regarding possible bailiff service, stating that if it was required, copies of the petition would not be required under the legal help scheme.

I subsequently applied for bailiff service but was requested to supply copies. I pointed out the wording of the notice. I was then told that while our client was exempt from paying court fees, I would have to pay photocopying charges if I wished the court to provide service copies. I pointed out that this was in clear contravention of the notice, which stated that no copies were required from us. The court then wrote, stating that despite the wording of the notice, it was the policy to charge for photocopying when a request for bailiff service was received.


While I understand the policy to maximise income, should not notices issued by courts be factually accurate?


RJ Ilersic, Wartnabys, Market Harborough, Leicestershire