Criteria for Obtaining Legal Advice

Information

In order to qualify for legal advice, you must pass the merits test and the means test.

Legal advice may be given in relation to any legal matter with the exception of the following:

• a criminal law matter, unless the person seeking advice is a complainant in a sexual assault case.
• cases that are not covered by the Legal Aid Board
• a matter that in the opinion of the Board could be dealt with by obtaining appropriate advice other than state-assisted legal advice.

The Board may decide to stop providing advice where it considers it is no longer reasonable to do so or that the person receiving the advice is no longer eligible because of his/her means to receive it.

How to apply

To find out whether you qualify for legal advice, you should simply complete the Means Test Form available in the Law Centres. You will give details about your income and your expenses on a confidential basis. If your application is accepted, you will be asked to make a minimum contribution.