USEFUL LEGAL LINKS
LEGAL AID
I accept Legal Aid certificates.
Legal Aid Ontario receives funding from the provincial government to provide legal services to people with low incomes, using both the community legal clinic system and the Legal Aid certificate program. Community legal clinics provide representation and advice on various kinds of legal issues. To receive services from a clinic, you must live in the area it serves. Most clinics also provide brief advice without asking about your financial situation.
If you want a private lawyer but cannot afford one, you may be able to get a Legal Aid certificate if (a) you have little or no money left after you pay for basic necessities, and (b) your legal problem is one that Legal Aid covers.
When you go to a Legal Aid office to apply for a certificate, take as much information as possible, including:
Court papers, if you have been served with any
Identification documents
Proof of your current income, i.e., 3-4 recent pay stubs, income tax return or notice of assessment for previous year; welfare statement of income or employment insurance statements
Up-to-date bank books
Proof of monthly expenses and bills (rent receipt or mortgage payment, hydro, gas, car payments receipts, credit card statements, car insurance bill)
Deed for your house
Proof of any unusual expenses, e.g., medical costs
If Legal Aid decides that you have enough money to pay a lawyer yourself, you will not be given a certificate.
Even if you do not qualify for Legal Aid, if you are a lower-income client, you may qualify for discounted fees and retainers from my office (flat rate or sliding scale); please contact me for further information.
LEGAL INFO
DO YOU WANT LEGAL ADVICE SPECIFIC TO YOUR SITUATION?
If you need more information on your legal rights and entitlements, you can contact me and schedule a legal consultation so that we can discuss your particular legal matter.
Knowledge is power.
