* Note that a fillable PDF of Application form for Legal Aid can be found here (1 MB). Paper application forms are also available at most correctional facilities and Legal Aid offices.
There are 4 ways to apply for Legal Aid services:
ONLINE APPLICATION
*THIS METHOD CANNOT BE USED IF YOU HAVE BEEN CHARGED AS A YOUNG OFFENDER OR ARE A YOUTH APPLYING ON A FAMILY MATTER (UNDER THE AGE OF 18)
You can now submit your application online Online Application for Legal Aid can be found here. Please be sure to complete all relevant sections before submitting.
By Appointment
We encourage applicants to call the Legal Aid office in your area in advance and reserve an appointment time. This will ensure that there will be an intake worker and lawyer available to meet with you.
If you choose this method, you may call the Legal Aid office nearest to you and have our staff set up a time and date for you to apply.
When setting an appointment, be sure to ask what information/documentation you will need to bring with you for your appointment.
When you make your appointment be sure to let our staff know if:
- You have:
- a court date, or
- an emergency
- You are under investigation for an offence and are being questioned by the authorities.
Mail in Application
You can mail your application to your nearest Legal Aid office.
Please be sure to fill in all relevant information, attach copies of relevant financial documents, and sign the application before mailing it in. Without a completed application, you will not be approved for Legal Aid.
By Facsimile
Please fax Legal Aid applications and supporting documents to (709) 753-8127.
Drop it off
You may also drop your application off at your nearest Legal Aid Office.
Please be sure to fill in all relevant information, attach copies of relevant financial documents, and sign the application before dropping it off. Without a completed application, you will not be approved for Legal Aid.
We encourage you to contact your nearest office before coming in to ensure that the office is open!
Intake office hours are generally:
Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (4:00 p.m. in the summer)
Please note that no matter which method you choose for applying for Legal Aid, the earlier you begin the application process, the better.
Financial Documents
It is very important that when you have an appointment to apply for Legal Aid or when you send in an application that you provide your financial records. These records are to prove the amounts you show for income, expenses, assets and liabilities. If you are unsure which documents are required, telephone the Legal Aid Area Office where you will be making your application. See Contact Information.
If you are a recipient of Income Support from the Department of Advanced Education and Skills you also need to fill in and sign a Department of Advanced Education and Skills Consent Form (25 KB) which allows the Department of Advanced Education and Skills to confirm to Legal Aid your Income Support status.
How long will this process take?
Once your Legal Aid application has reached our office, whether by appointment, mail, or drop off, all efforts are made to complete the application process as quickly as possible.
The time it takes for your application to be processed will depend on a number of factors such as:
- the areas of law involved
- the geographical region in which you live
- the availability of staff lawyers
- the time required to complete a case merit assessment, and
- when you can provide any documentation that has been requested
- If your application is approved we will contact you. Once you are informed of your lawyer’s name please make contact right away to set up an appointment.
If your application is not accepted, you will be advised of this and informed of your right to appeal.
If you do not hear from the Area Office within a reasonable period of time you can contact the Area Director for that office or contact the Provincial Director’s Office. See Contact Information.