It can be tough to figure out your options for settling a conflict. Fortunately, Quebec has many resources that promote access to justice and are easy on your wallet. We explain a few here.
Know your rights so you can exercise them
One of the most important things you can do is learn about your rights. A legal professional can give legal information, explain how the law applies in your situation, and explain your options. This information can be extremely useful, especially if you don’t know where to begin.
There are several ways to obtain free legal information:
Resource and link to website
What information does this resource provide?
That’s us! Our website offers a wealth of legal information explained in easy-to-understand language. We cover many topics like family law, housing, consumers, and work. Take a look!
The Centres de justice de proximité (local community justice centres) offer free consultations with legal professionals. They also hold regular information sessions covering a variety of issues.
You can call 1-800-NOTAIRE to speak to a notary and get information about different fields of law like wills and successions, real estate, business, and marriage.
JuridiQC is new online service offering legal information about separation and divorce that complements the information provided by Éducaloi.
Try to settle the dispute
Have you considered mediation? This service can help you settle your problem without going to court.
- If you’re going through a separation and you have children, you are eligible for free mediation sessions. Beginning February 18, 2021, couples without children can also apply for free mediation. Many regions of Quebec offer free “citizen mediation” to settle a problem with your neighbour or someone in your community.
See our article “Finding a Mediator”.
Éducaloi has prepared a guide called “Your Conflict, Your Solutions” in collaboration with the Fondation du Barreau du Québec. It explains what a conflict is and how to reach a civil solution.
Free or low-cost legal services
If you haven’t been able to settle your problem, you can get help from these resources:
Resource and link to website
Description
The Office de la protection du consommateur (consumer protection bureau) can help if your conflict is with a merchant. The Office has an online platform called “PARLe” for settling conflicts.
Tribunal administratif du logement
(formerly called the Régie du logement)
This is your go-to resource for problems between landlords and tenants.
The Barreau du Québec’s website can refer you to approximately 2000 lawyers who offer consultations for $60 or less (30 to 60 minutes).