Financial Eligibility
| Family Size | Maximum net monthly amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $601 |
| 2 | $1,075 |
| 3 | $1,137 |
| 4+ | $1,281 |
What does legal aid Ontario cover?
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) provides legal help in English and French for financially eligible low‑income Ontarians. Since forming under the Legal Aid Services Act of 1998 (LASA, 1998), LAO has become a vital part of a strong justice system, providing high-quality legal services in: family law. refugee and immigration law.
Is there a limit to legal aid in Ontario?
For this program, the financial threshold for a single applicant without dependents remains at $22,720 in gross annual income.
Duty counsel eligibility thresholds.
| Number of family members | The amount of money your family earns in a year |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,720 |
| 2 | $32,131 |
| 3 | $39,352 |
| 4 | $45,440 |
Does legal aid pay all costs?
Legal Aid will fund all costs related to your case, including the costs of legal advice, representation, evidence gathering and court fees. It will also pay the other party’s costs if you lose. However, depending on their income and savings, some people will be asked to contribute towards their legal costs.
What is the limit for legal aid?
Your capital will qualify if your savings amount to less than £8000. If you are applying for legal aid for court proceedings then savings between £3000 and £8000 may be liable to be paid to the LAA as a contribution to your case.
What areas of law are not covered by legal aid?
Huge areas of civil law have been removed from the scope of legal aid. All family law cases that don’t involve domestic violence are no longer covered, although payments may be made to help with mediation. Immigration cases are only covered if they involve claims for asylum, human rights issues or domestic violence.
Can I get a lawyer for free in Ontario?
Pro Bono Law Ontario
Pro Bono offers a free legal advice hotline for up to 30 minutes of legal advice and assistance. The toll-free number is 1-855-255-7256. For more information, please visit https://www.probonoontario.org/hotline/.
What to do if you can’t afford a lawyer in Ontario?
Legal Aid Ontario
To find out if you are eligible for legal aid, you can call LAO , Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can also call the Crisis Line: Tel : 416-947-5255. Toll-free: 1-855-947-5255.
Do I have to pay legal aid back?
Applying for legal aid
If you qualify, the legal aid will be paid directly to them. You’ll need to pay some legal aid back if you keep or gain any money or property at the end of your court case.
How long does it take to get legal aid in Ontario?
five business days
How long after I send in my documents does it take to get a legal aid decision? It can take up to five business days after we receive your information. If your case is complicated, it might take longer.
How long does it take for legal aid to be approved?
Applications are usually processed within 25 working days. If we agree a case is urgent, we will prioritise it and make a decision within 10 working days.
Can you get legal aid if found not guilty?
If you are eventually found not guilty and have paid privately, you cannot claim Crown Court legal costs back from the Ministry of Justice. However, you can reclaim legal aid contributions if you succeed at trial.
What are the two types of legal aid?
Legal aid
- Social Welfare.
- Social Security.
- Legal aid.
What proof do I need for legal aid?
Most legal aid cases will be means tested; so you will have to show that you cannot afford to pay legal costs. You will be required to give information about your income, benefits, savings, property and shares and those of your partner. We will ask you for proof of your income before we work with you under legal aid.
What are the two tests for legal aid?
In order to be eligible for civil legal aid, the applicant must pass both the income and the capital eligibility test.
Who is eligible for legal aid in Canada?
eligible, economically disadvantaged persons charged with serious and/or complex criminal offences and facing the likelihood of incarceration; proceedings pursuant to Part XX. 1 of the Criminal Code; proceedings under the Extradition Act; and appeals by the Crown, or in certain cases, their own appeal.
What’s wrong with legal aid?
Civil legal aid providers are facing major challenges in sustaining themselves under the current system. Means testing and the exceptional case funding system should also be simplified and reformed. Rates of pay are also making recruitment and retention difficult leaving some areas as legal advice deserts.
What does legal assistance cover?
Typically, legal expenses insurance provides cover for common issues such as: Unfair dismissal, or discrimination at work; Injury from an accident that was not your fault; or. Disputes involving faulty goods or services.
Can I get legal aid for a civil matter?
If your case is serious and you can’t afford to pay your legal costs, legal aid might pay some or all of them. You might get legal aid if, for example: you or your children are at risk of domestic violence or forced marriage.
What can Canadians do if they Cannot pay for a lawyer?
All provinces in Canada have a Government funded Legal Aid office that can assist individuals who do not have the income to hire private counsel.
What is it called when you can’t afford a lawyer?
When a court decides someone is “indigent” – with few assets and no funds to pay an attorney – generally either a private lawyer will be appointed by the court and paid with county funds, or a public defender program will be appointed to represent the person.