What kind of legal advice can I get over the phone?

All callers can receive general legal information from one of our legal professionals, such as information about:

• the law
• forms
• court processes
• referrals to community supports and other services

To receive specific information or advice from a lawyer to help with your unique situation (summary legal advice), you must meet Legal Aid Ontario’s legal and financial eligibility criteria.

Please note that speaking to a lawyer by phone is for family matters only.

If you have a criminal matter

Our criminal summary legal advice services are for those looking for information or advice about:

• First appearance or any court appearances, including charge resolution (plea, sentencing, diversion)
• How to connect with duty counsel
• Transferring charges to another jurisdiction
• Consequences of various sentences

If you have a family matter

Our family summary legal advice services include information or advice about:

• Options for resolving family matters
• Domestic violence
• Decision-making responsibility and parenting time
• Child support
• Going to family court

Please note that the list above is not exhaustive. Call us to learn if your family legal matter meets our legal criteria for summary legal advice.

For more information on summary legal advice, visit our webpage.