Embrace Change, Own Your Life｜Divorce Procedure Self-help Handbook

Catalog

• Front-word
• Jurisdiction in Divorce
• Divorce Procedures
• Divorce Q&A
• Legal Aid

• How do I qualify for legal aid?

  Legal aid is a means by which eligible applicants can obtain legal representation by a solicitor and, if necessary, a barrister in proceedings before the courts. The objective of legal aid is to ensure that no one with reasonable grounds for taking or defending a legal action is denied access to justice because of lack of means.

   

  According to the Legal Aid Ordinance, any applicant, whether or not a Hong Kong resident, who passes both the means test and the merits test is eligible for legal aid.

   

  Family and matrimonial dispute is covered by civil legal aid scheme. A person is eligible for Ordinary Legal Aid Scheme if his financial resources do not exceed $420,400. *Please note that the amount might be revised, please refer to the website of the Legal Aid Department for details.

   

  You can enter the Legal Aid Electronic Portal website to estimate your financial resources.

• Fee

  Note that the legal aid is not completely free of charge. Aided persons whose financial resources are assessed to be exceeded a designated amount are required to make a contribution on a sliding scale ranging from $1,051 to $105,100.

• As a legally aided person, can I choose my lawyer?

  The Director of Legal Aid maintains panels of counsel and solicitors who are willing to undertake legal aid work. You can nominate a lawyer on the Legal Aid Panel to represent you. If your choice is considered not suitable, the Director will discuss the matter with you. Or if you prefer, the Director can select a solicitor or barrister on your behalf.