Serious family problems

You can get a lawyer to represent you in your family law case in the following circumstances:

  • In serious family situations, for example:
    • when you need an immediate court order to ensure you or your children's safety and security,
    • to resolve a serious denial of access to your children,
    • when the other parent threatens to remove your children permanently from the province, or
    • when you have custody of your children and the other parent has access, but he or she has unlawfully held your children and denied you custody.
  • In other situations, depending on available funding, your circumstances, and based on a merit test, including:
    • to resolve serious legal issues in high conflict cases;
    • when you have experienced litigation harassment;
    • when you have barriers to self representation due to emotional abuse, psychological trauma, or mental illness; or
    • when all other efforts to resolve the case have been exhausted and resolving the case will make a significant difference to you or your children.
    Note: The items above are not a complete list of all situations that may be covered. Coverage decisions are made on a discretionary basis.

If you are refused legal representation, you may reapply at a later date if your situation changes or if you have further information to include with your application.

If you have qualified for a legal aid lawyer but you’re not sure what your lawyer is authorized to do for you, the following information sheet helps explain the service: