I accept instructions in both Family Court and criminal matters on Legal Aid. If you are eligible, Legal Aid can cover the cost of your legal representation.

Qualifying for Family Court Legal Aid.

Legal aid may be available for Family Court matters such as parenting disputes, guardianship, and family violence. Eligibility depends on your income, assets, and the type of case. In some situations, legal aid is free and does not need to be repaid. In others, you may need to repay some or all of the costs over time. As a general guide, you may qualify if your income is modest, with higher limits applying to couples or families with dependents. I am a lead legal aid provider and can help you apply and guide you through the process. The income thresholds for Legal Aid can be found here: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2011/0144/latest/DLM3743615.html.

Legal Aid for criminal charges.

Legal aid is available for most criminal charges where prison is the maximum sentence. You can usually only request a specific lawyer if the charge carries a maximum penalty of 14 years or more. In other cases, a lawyer will be assigned to you, though exceptions can sometimes be made—particularly if the case is complex or you have an existing relationship with a lawyer. If you’d like to instruct me, we can discuss whether an exception can be requested.

Repayment of Legal Aid debt.

Whether you need to repay legal aid depends on your financial situation. In some cases, legal aid is free and does not need to be repaid. In others, you may be required to repay some or all of the cost over time, either through regular payments or after the case ends—especially if you receive compensation or keep assets as a result of the case. The Legal Aid office will assess this when you apply, and I can help you understand what’s likely to apply in your situation.