The person with the disability is the one who needs to qualify for legal aid, so your adult child would be the one to apply. However, as a parent, you may be able to help your adult child complete the needed forms—especially if you have power of attorney for your child. When you call LAO…

An “assignment of money seized” is when you sign an agreement that says Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) owns any money that was taken (seized) when you were arrested. If there is suspicion that the money has been acquired illegally and/or is related to the offence, the police can seize your money whether or not you…

Consent and declaration forms are signed by you, the applicant, to create an agreement about how you will work with LAO. For example, by signing the form, you are giving LAO permission to: Look at your financial information to make sure you are eligible to receive our services Get information about your legal proceedings Share…

You can ask us to reconsider a final decision if you have new information or a there has been a significant change in your circumstances. You have six months from the date of the refusal notice to send us your request for reconsideration.

If, when you apply, you have a lawyer you want to work with (and they do legal aid work), you can tell us when you apply for a certificate. If you choose a lawyer after you’ve received your certificate, you can call us to let us know who it is or you can give your…

You can request a review if your legal aid application was refused. You have 22 business days from the date on your notice of refusal or cancellation. If you are in jail or hospitalized, you have 52 business days to request a review. Learn more about the appeal eligibility review process.

You can represent yourself or hire your own lawyer. Even if you decide to represent yourself, it’s good to consult a lawyer for some guidance and advice. LAO’s lawyer search tool or the Law Society Referral Service can help you find a qualified family lawyer. These online resources can also help you navigate the family law system: Ontario Court of Justice guide: Representing yourself at…

It can take up to five business days after we receive your information. If your case is complicated, it might take longer.

You can upload your documents to the client portal or send your documents by fax to 1‑877‑750‑2009 or mail to: Legal Aid Ontario 40 Dundas Street West, Suite 200 Toronto, ON, M5G 2H1 Include your client number on each page.