Frequently Asked Questions
Legal aid is available to anyone who is found to be financially eligible and who passes our merits test. Information on eligibility can be found here
In most cases you will have to make a payment which we call a contribution. The amount of the contribution(s) will depend on your disposable income and assets. When you first see a solicitor you will have to pay an advice contribution. The minimum advice contribution is €30. Depending on your income, you might have to pay up to €150.
More information on fees is available here.
Yes, you can pay the contribution in installments if:
- You would not be able to get a loan to pay it somewhere else;
- It would cause you hardship to have to pay it all; and
- It would be unreasonable for us to ask you to pay it all at once.
You should contact your Law Centre for more information on the arrangements.
Our legal aid services do not cover when you have been charged with a criminal offence. You can ask the judge for legal aid on the first day your case is in court. You can also contact the Court Clerk/Registrar of the court where you are due to appear.
Each Law Centre has a waiting list for solicitor appointments. Details of our waiting list times can be found here.
You can apply online or by contacting your local Law Centre.
You can find your local courthouse on the Courts website here.
There are many family support services that can help you and your family. Links to some of those services are below.
Domestic Violence
Family and Parenting Support