Where do I send my documents to complete my legal aid application?
You can 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for legal aid
4 Questions
Where do I apply if I have charges in another province?
You must apply directly to the legal aid plan in the province or territory where the charges are being heard. If your charges are in Ontario, contact us at 416-979-1446 or toll-free at 1-800-668-8258.
How long after I send in my documents does it take to get a legal aid decision?
It can take up to five business days after we receive your information. If your case is complicated, it might take longer.
How do I apply for legal aid?
You can apply by: calling us at 1-800-668-8258 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (The best time to call is between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. You can find our current wait time on our homepage.) if you are in jail or a detention centre , ask a legal aid worker to apply…
Can Legal Aid Ontario help me?
7 Questions
Where can I speak to a lawyer about my rights?
If you need legal help on the day you are in criminal or family court, you can talk to our lawyers (they are called duty counsel) at the courthouse. If you have been arrested or are detained by police, tell the police officer you want to speak to a lawyer. The police officer will…
What kind of help can I get if I’m in an abusive relationship?
If you need urgent legal advice about a family issue or an immigration/refugee issue, call us right away or ask someone at a shelter or legal clinic about our two hours of free legal advice. You may also qualify to have a lawyer represent you in court.
I have court tomorrow and I do not have a lawyer. Who can help me?
You can talk to our lawyers (they are called duty counsel) at the courthouse when you go to court tomorrow.
I have been charged and I need a lawyer. Can I get legal aid help?
If you financially qualify, and have a legal issue we cover, we will provide you with the service that is appropriate to your case. Call us to see if you qualify.
I have a family court matter. Can I get legal aid help?
We might be able to help if you financially qualify and if: you are subjected to domestic abuse you want to separate from your husband, wife or partner you need to decide custody, support or access Children’s Aid has your children or contacted you
I am being deported. Can I get legal aid help?
If you financially qualify for legal aid, we will pay for a lawyer. This lawyer has to be somebody who accepts legal aid work (not all lawyers do legal aid work). You can search our Find a Lawyer tool to help you find a lawyer. Call us to see if you qualify.
Children’s Aid contacted me. Can I get legal aid help?
If you financially qualify, then we can help you if you: want to see your children. want your children at home with you (you should call us as soon as you are contacted by Children’s Aid). are a family member or a member of the child’s Indigenous community and you…
I was injured at work and denied workers’ compensation. Where can I get legal help?
You may be able to get help from one of our speciality legal clinics. Visit; Industrial Accident Victims’ Group of Ontario Workers’ Health and Safety Legal Clinic Injured Workers Community Legal Clinic Some other legal clinics may also be able to help.
I have been discriminated against. Where can I get legal aid help?
Some legal clinics help in other areas of law like human rights. To find a legal clinic near you and learn about the services they offer, enter your address or postal code in our search tool.
I have been denied OW/ODSP. Where can I get help?
Legal clinics and student legal aid services societies may be able to help if you qualify.
I have a landlord and tenant matter. Where can I get legal aid help?
You can get help from a legal clinic. To find a legal clinic near you and learn about the services they offer, enter your address or postal code in our search tool.
If you do not qualify for legal aid
2 Questions
What can I do if I do not qualify for legal aid?
You can either hire your own lawyer or contact other services like the Law Society Referral Service or Justice Net.
I have been refused legal aid. Can I appeal the decision?
You can appeal if your legal aid application has been refused. You have 15 days after getting your notice of refusal or cancellation. If you are in jail or hospitalized, you have 45 days to submit your appeal. Learn more about the appeal process.
Refugee claims
2 Questions
Where can I get help if my refugee claim was denied?
If you qualify for legal aid, we will pay for a lawyer. This lawyer has to accepts legal aid work (not all lawyers do legal aid work). You can search our Find a Lawyer tool to find a lawyer near you. Number us to see if you qualify.
I am new to Canada. Can I get legal aid help with my refugee claim?
If you qualify for legal aid, we will pay for a lawyer. This lawyer has to accepts legal aid work (not all lawyers do legal aid work). You can search our Find a Lawyer tool to help you find a lawyer. Number us to see if you qualify.
Wills and estates
1 Questions
I want to make a will and power of attorney. Where can I get help?
You may be able to get help with your will and power of attorney from: a legal clinic Pro Bono Ontario Pro Bono Students Canada You can find information about wills and power of attorneys through the Ministry of the Attorney General and the website, Your Legal Rights.
Working with your lawyer
2 Questions
Do I have to tell legal aid who my lawyer is?
No, but the lawyer you choose has to be a person who does legal aid work (not all lawyers do legal aid work). Once you choose, give your lawyer your client number and certificate number.
Can I change my lawyer?
In rare cases, we allow you to change your lawyer. You must choose your lawyer carefully as we do not always allow you to change. Decisions to change your lawyer may take up to six weeks.