If you have a civil or family law problem and cannot afford a solicitor, you may be able to get legal advice and, in some cases, legal representation from the Legal Aid Board.
Civil and family legal aid is provided by the Legal Aid Board through its Law Centres and, in some cases, private solicitors and barristers. It is not provided by the Courts Service. This page explains what the Board can help with and how to apply.
Applications are made to the Legal Aid Board
You apply to the Legal Aid Board, not to the Courts Service. The Board decides whether you qualify, what the service covers and whether you need to pay a contribution.
On this page
- Family law matters
- Other civil matters
- Eligibility and cost
- How to apply
- If you are refused
- Help and contacts
Family law matters
The Legal Aid Board can help with many family law matters, including divorce, separation, domestic violence, and disputes about maintenance, custody, access and guardianship.
It can also help in some cases involving cohabitants, child abduction, and applications by Tusla to take a child into care.
See the family law matters the Legal Aid Board covers
You may not have to pay a contribution
No contribution is charged in some cases. This includes certain domestic violence applications in the District Court and certain cases where you are defending an application by Tusla to take your child into care or supervise your child in your home.
These types of cases are also treated as priority applications by Legal Aid Board Law Centres.
The Legal Aid Board can confirm whether this applies to you.
Other civil matters
Civil legal aid is not limited to family law.
The Legal Aid Board can also help with certain other civil matters, including international protection, medical negligence, personal injuries, and matters under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, among others.
Some matters are not covered. For example, defamation, most disputes about land and conveyancing are generally excluded, although exceptions can apply.
The Legal Aid Board has the full list of the types of case it can and cannot help with.
Check the types of case the Legal Aid Board covers
International protection: apply as soon as possible
International protection uses a separate legal aid process and strict time limits can apply.
Do not use the general civil legal aid route. Apply to the Legal Aid Board as soon as possible after registering your intention to apply for international protection.
Eligibility and cost
Civil legal aid is means-tested. The Legal Aid Board looks at your income and assets to decide whether you qualify and applies its financial eligibility rules.
If you need legal representation, the Board may also consider the circumstances and merits of your case.
Civil legal aid is not usually free. Most people pay a contribution towards the cost, depending on their financial circumstances and the service they receive.
In some circumstances, a contribution can be waived or arrangements may be made to pay it in instalments. No contribution is charged for certain cases, including some domestic violence and childcare proceedings.
The Legal Aid Board sets and applies these rules. You can use its online tool to get an indication of whether you may qualify.
Check if you may be financially eligible
How to apply
Applications for civil and family legal aid are made to the Legal Aid Board, not to the Courts Service.
You can apply online or by contacting your nearest Legal Aid Board Law Centre.
You will normally need to provide details of your financial circumstances and documents to support your application.
Some cases, such as domestic violence, childcare and child abduction, are given priority. There may otherwise be a waiting time for an appointment with a solicitor.
Apply for civil or family legal aid
If you are refused
If your application for civil legal aid or legal advice is refused, you can ask the Legal Aid Board to review the decision or you can appeal it.
A review allows the Board to reconsider the decision, including any new information you provide. An appeal is considered by an appeal committee of the Legal Aid Board.
Time limits apply. You should normally request a review or appeal within one month of the decision.
You can arrange a review or appeal through your solicitor or Law Centre, or by contacting the Legal Aid Board directly.
Find out about reviews and appeals of Legal Aid Board decisions
Help and contacts
Questions about legal aid
For questions about applying, eligibility, contributions or the services available, contact the Legal Aid Board.
Questions about your court case
If your query is about a court date, application, document or another procedural matter in an existing case, contact the court office dealing with your case.
Courts Service staff can explain court procedures but cannot give legal advice.
