Legal Help for Civil / Family Matters
If you have a legal problem but can’t afford a lawyer, you may be able to get one through civil / family legal aid. If you’re granted legal aid, it will cover all your lawyer’s fees and all other fees and expenses of your court case. You may have to repay some or all of your legal aid. Back to Legal Aid Guide home page
Young People and Civil / Family Legal Aid
At what age can I apply for civil / family legal aid?
You can get legal aid even if you’re under 16, but usually an adult (20 or older) must apply on your behalf. The adult must sign a statement promising to make any repayments that the Agency requires towards your legal aid.
If you’re 16 or older, you can apply for legal aid in your own right. You’ll be responsible for making any repayments the Agency requires.
Will my parents’ finances be taken into account?
If you’re 16 or older and under 20, and you’re living with and being supported by your parents, the Agency can take their income and assets into account when deciding whether you qualify for legal aid and whether you will have to repay any of it.
If you’re under 16, your parents’ income and assets will usually be taken into account.
But your parents’ income and assets –
- will be ignored if your dispute is with one or both of them (for example, if you’ve applied for a domestic violence protection order against one of them)
- can be ignored if you’re not living with them or you’re supporting yourself.
No matter how old you are, the Agency can also take into account any support (like food or accommodation) that your parents or anyone else gives you.
