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Ontario|Legal AidLegal Aid 846 What is Legal Aid? Who is eligible? Legal Aid is a program that helps people with a low income receive legal representation and advice. If you qualify, Legal Aid will pay for a lawyer to represent you. Legal Aid is only available to people with certain types of legal problems. Depending on your situation, Legal Aid may cover all or some of your legal costs.
- Who will qualify?
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. Your legal problem must be serious. 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. The Legal Aid office will look at your family responsibilities and your expenses to determine whether you are eligible for assistance. Your application will be rejected if the assessment shows that you can pay your own legal costs.
Depending on your financial situation, Legal Aid may cover all of your legal costs or you may be required to pay for a portion of them. If Legal Aid requires you to pay a portion of the legal costs, you may be required to make monthly payments, or pay a lump sum right away. You will also have to sign a payment agreement which states that you agree to pay a portion of your legal costs. If you own a home or other property you may still be eligible for Legal Aid, but you will probably have to put a lien on your home. This means that you will have to repay Legal Aid when you sell or refinance your property.
For more information about Legal Aid refer to other sections of Legal Line or contact the nearest Legal Aid office or Community Legal Clinic.
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