Free legal aid for child abduction in Ireland

The Jammy dodger

Does anyone know solicitors who offer free legal aid for this in Ireland?

phildub

If you have been arrested for a crime and qualify for free legal aid then any crinal defense solicitor on the legal aid list could represent you.

If you are arrested or attend at a garda station for voluntary interview the garda should be able to give you a list of solicitors in your area who are on the list.

Unless, of course your child has been abducted by another person and your a r e trying to get them back through the courts. In this case you will need a family law solicitor who accepts legal aid and you could just google free legal aid family law solicitor near me.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058276158/free-legal-aid-for-child-abduction-in-ireland

There’s no such thing as “free legal aid” anymore. It’s means assessed and you will have to contribute what they deem you can afford.

phildub

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120124589#Comment_120124589

This is not the case for criminal offences, you either qualify or your don't. I was under the impression family law was also just a set rate the solicitor gets but open to correction on that

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120124601#Comment_120124601

Yes if you are being charged with a criminal offence the court can assign a solicitor to you for free.

however the “Free Legal Aid” where you could speak to a solicitor or be represented in civil cases (family law etc) is not free.

more info here: https://www.legalaidboard.ie/en/our-services/differences-between-criminal-and-civil-legal-aid/#whatislegalaid

Do I qualify for legal aid?

In criminal legal aid, the judge will consider your means, and whether, in the interests of justice (because of how serious the charge is, or if there are exceptional circumstances) you should be granted legal aid. There are no set limits for your means and it is up to the judge on the day to assess whether your means are such that you should be granted legal aid.

For civil legal aid we will decide if you can get legal advice based on your application form. We will look at what your disposable (after we grant allowances) income and capital is. We cannot grant legal advice if your disposable income is above €18,000 or your disposable capital (not including the property in which you live, if you own it) is above €100,000. If you need to go to Court a solicitor will apply for a legal aid certificate on your behalf. At that point we will consider the merits of the case before deciding whether or not to grant legal aid. More information on qualifying for civil legal aid is available here.

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120124601#Comment_120124601

Legal aid is means tested. The means test is quite stringent but it’s still much better value than directly engaging a solicitor. You must apply through the legal aid board. There may be quite a waiting list. You will be assigned a solicitor.