How do I contact legal aid in Ontario?
Asked by: Ms. Ivy Willms II | Last update: August 28, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (24 votes)
The fastest way to get legal aid help is to call Legal Aid Ontario toll-free at 1‑800‑668‑8258 from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are in a correctional facility or seeking services such as summary legal advice, please call from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How to get 30 minute free legal advice 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/.
Who qualifies for legal aid in Ontario?
To qualify for legal aid in Ontario you must have little or no money left after you pay for basic necessities like food and housing. People on social assistance almost always qualify for legal aid. You may be eligible for legal aid even if you have some money in the bank or even if you own a home.
What cases are not covered by legal aid in Ontario?
Legal Aid in Ontario covers criminal, family, mental health, benefits and immigration cases. They are not going to get involved in personal injury, liability, real estate, contract or employment law.
How long does it take to get legal aid in Ontario?
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 Does Legal Aid Work in Ontario?
What happens in Canada if you can't afford a lawyer?
Legal aid, with respect to criminal matters, is provided to those individuals and organizations who are financially unable to secure legal services from their own resources.
Do you have to pay back legal aid in Ontario?
This means you will be required to repay LAO some or all of your legal fees, based on your asset level. A contribution agreement outlines how much you will repay LAO.
How do I contact Legal Aid Ontario?
The fastest way to get legal aid help is to call Legal Aid Ontario toll-free at 1‑800‑668‑8258 from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Can you get a free lawyer in Canada?
Duty counsel services. Duty counsel is legal assistance rendered without charge to unrepresented individuals who, in many cases, are about to make an appearance in court. Duty counsel services refer to services provided by a lawyer at a location other than a legal aid office, generally at court or a place of detention.
Can I chat with a lawyer for free?
In California, as in other states, free legal advice is available by simple calling 1-800-THE-LAW2 and getting connected to one of the attorneys in our network. In fact, we've been serving Californians and the local community since the 1980s.
How much do lawyers in Ontario charge per hour?
Hourly rates of lawyers range from $300-$600 while law clerks charge lower rates from $150 to $250 per hour. Litigation is an expensive undertaking due to the time and effort spent on the case . The more complex the case, the higher the cost.
What happens if 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.
Do Canadian lawyers do pro bono?
6,538 pro bono hours performed across Canadian offices. 17% of lawyers undertook 10 hours or more of pro bono work.
What cases are not covered by legal aid in Canada?
A drinking and driving offence, unless it caused bodily harm, or a first-time shoplifting offence are examples of cases that would not typically be covered.
What if you can't afford a lawyer in Ontario?
If you can't afford a lawyer, call our Free Legal Advice Hotline for up to 30 minutes of free legal advice and assistance with civil law matters in Ontario (no family law, immigration or criminal). If you need help , call us today at 1-855-255-7256 (toll free). Don't hesitate to call.
How much does Legal Aid Ontario pay lawyers?
Average Legal Aid Ontario Lawyer yearly pay in Canada is approximately $102,667, which meets the national average.
How many hours does legal aid cover in Ontario?
Legal aid doesn't pay money per se; they issue a certificate that covers a set number of hours. The basic family certificate in Ontario is 20 hours (12 for the file, +4 and +4 for a restraining order, even if it isn't sought.
What happens if someone sues you and you have no money Canada?
Yes, you can take out a loan to cover your lawsuit settlement. For instance, you can apply for a personal loan and use the funds to pay the amount you owe from your court case. There are lawsuit settlement loans available from lenders across Canada.
What is it called when you can't pay for a lawyer?
Legal aid is an umbrella term for any service which provides legal assistance to those unable to afford it otherwise. These services vary significantly based on location, but all should provide pro bono—a Latin term meaning "for the public good"—services.
Who pays for legal aid in Canada?
As legal aid is a cost-shared program between the federal government and provincial/territorial governments, federal contribution funding for the delivery of legal aid services is provided directly to provincial and territorial governments.
How do you qualify for pro bono?
Many legal service organizations limit pro bono services to clients whose annual income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. In 2023, that is $18,225 for individuals and $37,500 for a household of four. However, financial distress is not the only reason people qualify for pro bono services.
How much does the cheapest lawyer cost?
Depending on numerous factors, hourly rates vary from as low as around $150/hour to more than $1000/hour. The rates, as explained above, vary depending on the attorney's experience, expertise in the area of law in question, the kind of case, the location, and other factors.
When you can't pay for a lawyer?
If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may be able to help you. There are legal aid offices (also called legal services) throughout the United States. Legal aid offices are not-for-profit agencies that provide free legal help to people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.