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Forms
Application forms
You can apply at any of the law centres shown on the Contact A Law Centre page on this site, by calling into, telephoning or writing to your nearest centre. You must complete an application form, including details of your means, sign it and return it to your local law centre.
The two forms on this page, include the form for use in your local law centre and a form to be completed if you wish to apply for legal aid in another EU country.
Qualifying for legal aid
The law centre staff will calculate your "disposable" income - that is, the amount that is left after certain allowances are made for dependants, accommodation, income tax and some other outgoings - and advise you on your eligibility for legal services.
The cost of the service
You must pay a contribution if you are granted legal advice or legal aid. The amount that you will pay will depend on the level of your "disposable" income.The minimum contribution is €10 for legal advice and €50 if you must go to court. If you are dependent solely on social welfare, you will pay the minimum. If you have capital resources (other than your home), you may have to pay more. The law centre staff will advise you.
Criminal Cases
The Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995 does not apply to criminal cases. If you are charged with a criminal offence and want legal aid, you should get in touch with the clerk or registrar of the court concerned.
The Garda Station Legal Advice Scheme provides that, in certain circumstances, legal advice will be provided to persons detained under certain legislation in Garda Stations . The Scheme was launched in 2001 and originally administered by the Department of Justice and Equality. As of October 1st 2011, the Legal Aid Board will take over the administration of the “Garda Station Legal Advice Scheme” from the Courts Policy Division in the Department of Justice.
Full details on the Scheme can be obtained by reading the document Garda Station Legal Advice Scheme.
Some forms on this page are available in Portable Document Format (PDF). Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® software is required to view them. A free copy of Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® can be downloaded from the Adobe® website.
Some forms are available as Microsoft® Word files. If you do not have the software to read them you can download a free viewer from the Microsoft® website.
Legal Aid Application Form
Legal Aid Application Form PDF (file size 39.9 KB)
Legal Aid Application Form Word (file size 107KB)
Foreign Legal Aid Application Form
Application Form for Legal Aid under Council Directive 2003.8.EC PDF (file size 282KB)
Application Form for Legal Aid under Council Directive 2003.8.EC Word (file size 83.5MB)
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