Legal Aid for Family Law in Ontario: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
A plain-language guide to getting Legal Aid Ontario's help with separation, parenting, support and child protection, and what to do if you don't qualify.
Key takeaways
- Legal Aid Ontario can pay a private family lawyer to advise and represent you on parenting, support, child protection and restraining orders.
- Eligibility depends on your family's income and assets. A single person generally qualifies under about $18,795 a year, and limits are higher for people experiencing domestic abuse.
- Even if you do not qualify for a certificate, free advice is available at family courthouses and by phone.
- Apply by calling Legal Aid Ontario at 1-800-668-8258, then bring your certificate to a lawyer who accepts it.
Separation is expensive at the moment many families can least afford it. Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) exists so that cost does not decide whether a parent gets proper advice about their children, their home or their safety. This guide explains, in plain language, what Legal Aid covers in family law, who qualifies, how to apply and what to do next.
What Legal Aid covers in family law
If you qualify, Legal Aid Ontario may issue you a certificate, which works like a voucher to pay a private family lawyer. Family certificates can cover:
- Decision-making responsibility (formerly custody), parenting time and contact (formerly access), and relocation
- Child and spousal support, including Family Responsibility Office default hearings
- Children's Aid Society and child protection matters
- Restraining orders where there is domestic violence
- International child abduction (Hague Convention) cases
- Property and division of assets, when another covered issue is also in dispute
- Negotiation and mediation to settle issues out of court
- Preparing court documents and representation in court
There are two main types: a non-litigation certificate for advice, negotiation and settlement outside court, and a litigation certificate for court proceedings. Divorces and motions to change are covered where the client has experienced intimate partner violence. Certificates are subject to a merit assessment, both when issued and as the case goes on, so Legal Aid Ontario considers whether your case has a reasonable chance of success.
Learn more about the family issues we handle in our guides to parenting time and decision-making and child and spousal support.
Who qualifies for Legal Aid
Legal Aid Ontario looks at two things: whether your legal problem is one it covers, and whether you are financially eligible. Financial eligibility is based on your family's gross annual income, the number of people in your family, and your assets.
| People in your family | General limit | Domestic abuse limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,795 | $22,720 |
| 2 | $32,131 | $32,131 |
| 3 | $39,352 | $39,352 |
| 4 | $45,289 | $45,440 |
| 5 or more | $50,803 | $50,803 |
Source: Legal Aid Ontario, Family legal issues, as published in October 2026. Limits change; confirm with Legal Aid Ontario before you apply.
Three points are worth knowing:
- Contribution agreements. If you have some income or own property, you may still get a certificate with an agreement to repay part or all of the legal fees over time.
- Urgent and high-risk cases. Legal Aid Ontario may provide certificates to people above the limits in extremely urgent situations involving domestic abuse or child protection.
- Social assistance. If you receive Ontario Works or ODSP, the application is usually simpler, and some applicants can apply online.
Free help if you don't qualify for a certificate
Many people earn too much for a certificate but cannot comfortably afford a lawyer for every step. Legal Aid Ontario still offers help:
- Advice lawyers at Family Law Information Centres in family courthouses can give up to 20 minutes of free legal advice if you qualify.
- Family duty counsel can help on the day you are in court. From March 3, 2025 until spring 2028, the income limit for duty counsel is $45,440 for households of up to four people and $50,803 for five or more, with a $15,000 asset limit.
- Summary legal advice by phone through Legal Aid Ontario's client line.
- Free mediation for eligible clients in some locations, including Milton, Ottawa, Brampton and Peel.
A lawyer can also help with only part of your matter, such as reviewing an agreement before you sign it. Read about separation agreements and divorce.
How to apply for Legal Aid
- Call Legal Aid Ontario at 1-800-668-8258 (toll-free) or 416-979-1446 in the Greater Toronto Area, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some applicants, such as people receiving social assistance or with no income, can apply online through the LAO client portal.
- Have your documents ready: any court papers or letters about your case, and proof of income such as recent pay stubs, or Ontario Works, ODSP or Employment Insurance statements.
- Answer the eligibility interview. Legal Aid Ontario will ask about your family, income, assets and legal problem.
- Receive a decision. If you qualify, you receive a certificate, possibly with a contribution agreement.
- Choose a lawyer who accepts Legal Aid certificates and give them your certificate number.
Do not sign anything, such as a separation agreement or consent order, before speaking to a lawyer.
What happens after you get a certificate
Your certificate authorizes a set number of hours for specific work. Your lawyer is paid by Legal Aid Ontario for those authorized services, keeps you informed, and can ask Legal Aid Ontario for more hours if your case needs them. If your circumstances change, such as a new job or a settlement payment, tell Legal Aid Ontario and your lawyer.
If you are experiencing abuse
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Your safety comes first. Legal Aid Ontario uses higher income limits for people experiencing domestic abuse, can help with restraining orders, and may help people above the limits in urgent situations. Tell Legal Aid Ontario about the abuse when you call.
Survivors may also be able to claim damages from an abusive partner. See our guide to the new tort of intimate partner violence.
The Assaulted Women's Helpline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day at 1-866-863-0511, or #SAFE (#7233) on Rogers, Fido, Bell and Telus mobile phones. TTY: 1-866-863-7868.
How SLG Lawyers can help
SLG Lawyers accepts Legal Aid Ontario certificates for eligible family law matters. We help with separation, parenting time and decision-making, child and spousal support, property division and motions to change orders. Meet us at our Ajax office or by video anywhere in Ontario.
If you do not qualify for Legal Aid, we provide a written fee estimate before any work begins, so you know the cost up front. See our Legal Aid family lawyer page and our family law services.
Have a Legal Aid certificate?
SLG Lawyers accepts Legal Aid Ontario certificates for eligible family law matters. Visit our dedicated family law site, ontariolegalaid.ca, to get started in under a minute.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Legal Aid for a divorce?
What if my income is a little over the limit?
Can I choose my own lawyer with a Legal Aid certificate?
Does my former partner's income count?
Sources
- Legal Aid Ontario: Family legal issues
- Legal Aid Ontario: How do I apply for legal aid?
- Legal Aid Ontario: Eligibility for family law services (policy under the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020)
- Legal Aid Ontario: Financial eligibility for duty counsel services increases March 3
- Assaulted Women's Helpline
- CLEO: Legal Aid raises some income and asset limits until 2028
General information only, not legal advice. Legal Aid Ontario rules and income limits change; confirm current details with Legal Aid Ontario. Every situation is different; book a consultation for advice on yours.