Legal Aid
Legal Aid landing page
Legal aid is government funding to pay for legal help for people who cannot afford a lawyer. it is available for people facing criminal charges, and those with a civil legal problem or family dispute (including family matters) that may go to court, as well as for Waitangi Tribunal.
Legal aid applicants
For criminal legal aid, you can apply as soon as you are charged with an offence or receive a summons to appear in court. Go to the reception desk at the nearest District Court and ask to see a legal aid support officer or call your nearest Legal Aid office for help. See more here.
For civil/family family legal aid, start by contacting the lawyer you would like to represent you. You must first check that this lawyer does legal aid work. See more here.
Legal aid lawyers
You can see resources, forms, guidelines and other information for legal aid providers here.
