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who work with low-income and disadvantaged communities in Ontario.

Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services CorporationNishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation

LEGAL AID ONTARIO

What is it and How can it help you?

What is Legal Aid?What is Legal Aid?

• It is an independent but publicly funded non-profit corporation.

• It helps people who need access to justice resources but don’t have the money to pay for a lawyer.

The Legal Aid Ontario ProgramsThe Legal Aid Ontario Programs

• Certificate Program

• Poverty Law Services

• Duty Counsel Services

Where can you access LAO services?Where can you access LAO services?

• The Legal Aid Office closest to you

• NALSC

• Community Legal workers

NALSC and Legal Aid OntarioWhat services can we provide for you?

NALSC and Legal Aid OntarioWhat services can we provide for you?

• Specialty clinics

• Community Legal Workers

• Duty Counsel lawyers

Duty Counsel/Advice lawyersDuty Counsel/Advice lawyers

• Can advise you of your rights and how to protect them

• Help clear up any questions you might have about the court process

• Assist you to prepare forms and in some motions and hearings

• Help you apply for an adjournment, bail or diversion.

Legal Aid CertificatesLegal Aid Certificates

• Cases that are covered

• Criminal

• Family

• Immigration and Refugee matters

• Limited civil cases

Criminal MattersCriminal Matters

• Offence must be likely to result in jail time• Likely is offence was committed while on

probation or in jail• Previous criminal conviction or related

similar offences• Other relevant or aggravating

circumstances present when the offence took place.

• Sentencing principles• Outstanding chaarges

Examples of Offences that may be coveredExamples of Offences that may be covered

• Manslaughter

• Assault

• Sexual assault

• Arson

• Breach of probation

• Careless use of a firearm

• Breaking and entering

• And more

Family Law Matters Family Law Matters

• Usually covers cases where child custody, access and support is in question, and in cases of family violence or abuse. More specifically:

• Custody of your children• Dealing with Children’s Aid Societies• Access to your children• Setting up child or spousal support

payments• Restraining orders against your partner• And more.

What is not covered by Legal Aid?What is not covered by Legal Aid?

• Wrongful dismissal• Change of name• Personal Bankruptcy• Powers of Attorney• Money you lent or owe others• Commercial Litigation• Libel, defamation and slander• Adoption• Real Estate matters

How to apply for Legal AidHow to apply for Legal Aid

• Fill out application (why you need a lawyer and why you cannot afford one)

• Fill out Financial Assessment

Financial Eligibility Financial Eligibility

• Takes into account person applying and his or her family.

• There are two tests:

• The Asset test

• The Income test

What documents do you need when you apply for Legal Aid?

What documents do you need when you apply for Legal Aid?

• I.D.• All documents related to your case• Proof of your income• Proof of any assets, money or saving you

may have• Proof of monthly expenses and bills• Proof of any unusual expenses such as

medical costs.• If you are receiving support from another

person then you need their financial information.

Your information will remain confidential

What happens after the eligibility tests are done?What happens after the eligibility tests are done?

• You may be granted an application• Free of contribution• With a contribution to your fees

• You may be refused because:• You didn’t provide the required financial

information• Did not sign a payment or lien agreement with LAO• You were deemed to be able to afford the cost of

legal services• You defaulted on a previous agreement• You applied for a certificate for the same matter

and failed• Jail is not probable• Your matter is not covered by LAO

What can you do if you disagree with the decision?What can you do if you disagree with the decision?

• If you have been refused legal aid or got legal aid but do not agree with the terms of repayments or don’t think you can afford it, you can:

• Appeal the decision to the Area Committee.

• Reapply if there is a change to your financial situation.

Where can you go for help?Where can you go for help?

• Call Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services at 1-800-465-5581.

• Contact your local Community Legal Workers.

• Contact the LAO provincial office at 1-866-297-5559.