How Well Do You Know Legal Aid?

Wrong answer

People with low incomes and few liquid assets (savings, investments, etc.) can also quality for legal aid. 

For example, in 2024, a single parent of two children with an annual income of up to $45,000 could be eligible for legal aid.  

Right answer

People with low incomes and few liquid assets (savings, investments, etc.) can also quality for legal aid. 

For example, in 2024, a single parent of two children with an annual income of up to $45,000 could be eligible for legal aid.    

It depends

Legal aid is generally free. However, you may be eligible for legal aid and still have to pay a small contribution for the legal services. It all depends on your income. This fixed contribution ranges from $100 to $800.

For example, in 2024, if you’re a single person earning $28,000 a year, you’ll have to pay $100. If your annual income is $35,000, your contribution would be $500.  

Right answer

While legal aid covers many services, it’s not available for all types of files. 

For example, legal aid will not be able to help you if you want to sue someone for defamation or contest a parking ticket. 

Wrong answer

While legal aid covers many services, it’s not available for all types of files. 

For example, legal aid will not be able to help you if you want to sue someone for defamation or contest a parking ticket. 

Wrong answer

Children can also receive legal aid, especially in files involving the Director of Youth Protection or if they are accused of a crime before the Youth division of the Court of Quebec. The lawyer’s role in this situation is to accompany children throughout the process and protect their interests.   

Wrong answer

Legal aid lawyers and notaries are just as skilled as those working in private practice. Many choose legal aid because they are passionate about helping others and making a difference in their communities.

The idea that legal aid professionals are “second-class” and only help “second-class” citizens is simply not true.

In Quebec, all legal professionals must complete at least three years of legal education in university to earn their degree. Lawyers must also undergo rigorous training, pass the bar exam, and complete an internship. Notaries, on the other hand, need to earn a master’s degree in notarial law, which includes an internship, and pass the professional order’s exam.

Both lawyers and notaries, whether they work for legal aid or in private practice, must keep their legal knowledge up to date by completing 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Their work is also regulated by professional orders to ensure high standards. 

Right answer

Legal aid lawyers and notaries are just as skilled as those working in private practice. Many choose legal aid because they are passionate about helping others and making a difference in their communities.

The idea that legal aid professionals are “second-class” and only help “second-class” citizens is simply not true.

In Quebec, all legal professionals must complete at least three years of legal education in university to earn their degree. Lawyers must also undergo rigorous training, pass the bar exam, and complete an internship. Notaries, on the other hand, need to earn a master’s degree in notarial law, which includes an internship, and pass the professional order’s exam.

Both lawyers and notaries, whether they work for legal aid or in private practice, must keep their legal knowledge up to date by completing 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Their work is also regulated by professional orders to ensure high standards.