Information for Lawyers

Block fees

Information for Lawyers

Block fees: Forms


Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) has introduced forms to streamline and simplify requests for amendments to criminal block fee certificates. These forms can be completed online, printed and faxed to LAO. The forms cover three areas:

  • Request to add additional charges, make changes or request a new certificate due to charges proceeding separately
  • Request for a mental health authorization
  • Request for a Gladue authorization

Request to add charges, to change an existing certificate or to request a new certificate for charges proceeding separately
If you have an open and active certificate and need to add additional charges, make changes or request a new certificate due to charges proceeding separately, complete the required fields, print and fax to the number indicated at the bottom of the form.

Please note: certificates may be amended within 12 months of the issuance date (beyond 12 months for administration of justice charges), provided that charges are being heard together.


Request for a mental health authorization
This authorization is available for block fee certificates issued after May 30, 2011. Authorization may be granted when the certificate is issued if there is an identifiable history of mental health issues. If the authorization is not granted when the certificate is issued, it may be requested.

Some examples of when the authorization may be requested include:

  • when the client has a fitness hearing;
  • is appearing in Mental Health court;
  • counsel has been appointed under section 85(2) of LASA
  • there is a community treatment order in place; or,
  • when the Court has signed a Form 48.

Complete the required fields, print and fax to the number indicated at the bottom of the form.


Request for Gladue authorization
If your client has self-identified as Aboriginal, and authorization for a Gladue submission is required, complete the required fields, then print and fax to the number indicated at the bottom of the form.

Please note that you must be a member of the Gladue panel to receive this authorization. For further information on empanelment, please contact your district office.