Children and teens sometimes need lawyers. They are eligible for free legal aid for all services offered by legal aid. The financial situation of the youth does not affect their eligibility for legal aid.
Situations where a legal aid lawyer can represent a child or teen for free or at low cost
The Director of Youth Protection (DYP) is involved
A child or teen can receive the services of a legal aid lawyer if the DYP is involved in the child’s life.
The teen has been accused of a crime
A teen who has been accused of a crime has rights, like anyone else, and usually qualifies for free legal aid.
Other situations where a child or teen might need a lawyer
A child or teen might need a lawyer in other situations, for example, if they want to have their say in a custody dispute. In that event, parents could be obliged to reimburse certain costs according to the regulations in force.
