Am I eligible for legal aid for a custody case?
Short answer
In Quebec, legal aid has a free component for people whose income falls below the eligibility thresholds, and a contributory component for people whose income slightly exceeds them, in exchange for a financial contribution ranging from $100 to $800. The thresholds are indexed on May 31 of each year.
In detail
The Quebec legal aid scheme covers family matters, among others. Financial eligibility is established on the basis of income, property and liquid assets, taking family composition into account.
Since January 1, 2016, the eligibility thresholds for the free component have been raised every year using the minimum wage as the benchmark, the aim being to keep people who work full time at minimum wage eligible.
The contributory component makes it possible to receive the same services by paying a contribution that varies according to family composition and financial circumstances. Because the scales change every year, you have to check the thresholds in force with the Commission des services juridiques (Quebec's legal services commission) or with the legal aid office in your region.
What to document
Your proof of income (pay stubs, benefits, income tax return), your bank statements, and the list of your property and debts. Also prepare a one-page summary of your family file: what is being asked for, by whom, and the hearing dates coming up. That speeds up the opening of the file considerably.
Put your facts in writing, free. Writing your version down early, keeping your documents dated and preparing your questions for a lawyer: the tool is there to document, never to advise.
Open the application Up to 3 files, no card · see the plans
Official sources
- Commission des services juridiques — Legal aid: am I financially eligible?
- Commission des services juridiques — Legal aid: contributory component
- Ministère de la Justice du Québec — Legal aid
Related questions
- What happens when the DPJ receives a report?
- What are my rights as a parent dealing with the DPJ?
- What is the difference between a voluntary measures agreement and going to court with the DPJ?
- Do grandparents have the right to see their grandchildren?
- Do I have to consult the other parent on important decisions even if I have custody?
See all the answers · the full guide collection · Lire en français
What this page is not
This is general legal information about the law of Quebec and Canada, dated and sourced. It is not legal advice, not a strategy, and not a prediction about the outcome of a case. In Quebec, only lawyers and notaries may give legal advice (Act respecting the Barreau du Québec, ss. 128 and 133). Laws and amounts change: the official source always prevails over us.