Who can get legal aid in Ontario?
Asked by: Cordia Rippin | Last update: December 26, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (3 votes)
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 to get a free lawyer in Ontario?
Pro Bono Law Ontario
The toll-free number is 1-855-255-7256. For more information, please visit https://www.probonoontario.org/hotline/.
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 much does legal aid in Ontario pay?
Average Legal Aid Ontario hourly pay ranges from approximately $17.00 per hour for Diversity and Inclusion Manager to $19.00 per hour for Senior Counsel. Salary information comes from 1,042 data points collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.
Can you get Legal Aid for your case? Take the free Ontario "Legal Aid Test" to see if you qualify.
Who is qualified 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 happens if you can't afford a lawyer in Ontario?
You must apply for legal aid to get support with a legal issue in Ontario. LAO will decide whether or not to take you on as a client, depending on your legal issue and if you're financially eligible.
Do you have to pay back legal aid in Ontario?
If you have an income or own property, you may qualify for a certificate with a contribution agreement. This means you will be required to repay LAO some or all of your legal fees, based on your income level. A contribution agreement outlines how much you will repay LAO.
How does legal aid work in Ontario?
If you qualify, LAO will provide you with a certificate that covers the cost of a private lawyer who accepts legal aid work for a certain number of hours. You can bring this certificate to a lawyer, and they will represent you in court throughout your case.
How do I contact the Legal Aid Ontario for lawyers?
Find a Lawyer
If you have difficulties in finding a lawyer using this directory, please contact the Client Service Centre at 416-979-1446 or toll-free 1-800-668-8258.
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.
How much is a pro bono lawyer?
A pro bono attorney will never charge you for providing legal services or advice.
How much does a lawyer cost in Ontario?
Regardless of field of law in which they practise, most lawyers in Ontario charge by the hour. For family lawyers in the urban regions of the province, hourly rates typically start at around $250 per hour. Senior family lawyers can charge upwards of $700 per hour, depending on their level of expertise.
How can I pay for a lawyer with no money in Canada?
- Qualifying for a Legal Aid Ontario Certificate.
- Accessing the assistance of Duty Counsel.
- Relying on Family Law Information Centers or Student Legal Aid Services Societies.
- Having a prepaid legal insurance plan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 much does legal aid charge?
Legal aid offices are not-for-profit agencies that provide free legal help to people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. While many legal aid offices only help people with very low incomes, some offices have more flexible income rules. Many legal aid offices also offer self-help resources that can help you get started.
Who funds legal aid Ontario?
Financial sources and financial pressures
LAO receives funding from the Law Foundation of Ontario (LFO), which is used to support its operations. This funding source is highly variable because it is based on the prevailing interest rate and the amount of funds in Ontario lawyers' and paralegals' mixed trust accounts.
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.
What happens if someone sues you and you have no money Ontario?
What Happens If You Lose A Lawsuit And Can't Pay In Canada: They Can Seize Your Property. As a last resort, your property may be seized and sold. The proceeds will then be used to satisfy your payment.
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.