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.
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