What is the legal aid hotline in Canada?

Asked by: Lionel Doyle III  |  Last update: September 19, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (45 votes)

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.

Is legal advice free in Canada?

Community legal clinics and student legal clinics offer free legal support. You must meet eligibility criteria to access their services. Contact the clinic nearest you for help. If you are not sure which clinic is closest to you, contact any one and they will direct you to the one that best suits your needs.

What is the legal aid system in Canada?

Legal aid is one component of the legal system and it is essential to fulfilling the government's obligations under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms including the right to a fair trial (section 11(d)); to life, liberty and security (section 7) and to equal protection and equal benefit of the law (section 15) ...

Who qualifies for legal aid in Canada?

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 Canada?

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 Does Legal Aid Work in Ontario?

26 related questions found

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. Most of the time, the critical criteria considered by legal aid is: your income, either in the current, or prior calendar year; and.

What is the most you can sue for in Canada?

Is there a limit on the amount I can sue for? In the Alberta Court of Justice Civil Division you can sue for an amount up to $100,000 plus interest and costs. This is the Court's monetary jurisdiction.

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.

Are you entitled to a lawyer in Canada?

In Canada, the right to counsel is guaranteed under Section Ten of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms upon "arrest and detention", as well as the right to habeas corpus. Police must inform those arrested or detained of their right to speak to counsel and provide them with a reasonable opportunity to do so.

Is talking to a lawyer 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.

What are the three legal systems in Canada?

Canada has three distinct legal traditions: common law, civil law, and aboriginal law. Common law, derived from English law, it is a body of law based on judicial precedent and custom.

What services does Legal Aid Ontario provide?

Our services include:

same‑day courthouse services including duty counsel (lawyers), paralegals, and court workers. staff lawyers who represent clients. representation by a private lawyer through our certificate program. web-based information and referrals.

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.

How can I pay for a lawyer with no money in Canada?

In Canada, various methods exist for persons in need of legal representation. They may include:
  1. Qualifying for a Legal Aid Ontario Certificate.
  2. Accessing the assistance of Duty Counsel.
  3. Relying on Family Law Information Centers or Student Legal Aid Services Societies.
  4. Having a prepaid legal insurance plan.

How much does a lawyer cost in Canada?

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 is the pro bono law in Canada?

Pro Bono Canada supports pro bono programs that deliver free legal services annually to more than 36,000 low- income Canadians who have nowhere else to turn. These programs assist self-represented litigants, vulnerable children, survivors of domestic abuse and victims of fraud and elder abuse.

What if you Cannot pay for a lawyer in Canada?

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. This is an attempt to provide equal access to justice for those who are economically disadvantaged.

What is a free lawyer called in Canada?

Pro Bono Law Ontario is a charitable organization that promotes access to justice in Ontario by creating and facilitating opportunities for lawyers to provide pro bono (free) legal services to low-income people and charitable organizations.

Does Canada justice system favor those who can afford a lawyer?

Our justice system assumes that both parties in a dispute would each have a lawyer. But most Canadians can't afford a lawyer — which means that our justice system is tilted in favour of those who can.

How much do lawyers take from settlement in Canada?

With a contingency fee agreement, your lawyer's fees are typically a predetermined percentage of the total award or settlement you receive. This percentage can vary depending on the complexity and risk associated with the case, but it's generally between 20% and 40%.

How are lawyers paid in Canada?

There are four common arrangements on how a lawyer gets paid in Canada: Hourly billing. Fixed or flat fees. Contingency fees.

What happens if someone sues you and you can't pay Canada?

If you don't have the funds readily available to pay the plaintiff, payment can come from your income via wage garnishment. That means a certain amount of money will be deducted from each paycheque until your settlement is paid in full.

What is a replevin?

re·​plev·​in ri-ˈple-vən. : an action originating in common law and now largely codified by which a plaintiff having a right in personal property claimed to be wrongfully taken or detained by the defendant seeks to recover possession of the property and sometimes to obtain damages for the wrongful detention.

Can an American sue someone in Canada?

American courts (both Federal and State Courts) have no jurisdiction over Canadian residents or companies in Canada. In order for a US judgment or letter rogatory to have effect over a Canadian resident or company, an application must be made to the relevant Canadian court to approve the order.