Frequently Asked Questions

Legal aid is the provision of legal representation in the Magistrates’ Court, High Court and Court of Appeal of Trinidad & Tobago by a lawyer assigned by the Legal Aid & Advisory Authority.

Legal Advice is the provision of advice on general areas of law as governed by the laws of Trinidad and Tobago by lawyers employed with the Legal Aid & Advisory Authority. Legal Advice is presently only given “in person” at any of the Authority’s office locations.

Anyone having a court matter can attend to seek legal representation from the Legal Aid & Advisory Authority. the Legal Aid and Advice Act provides certain restrictions on:

• The types of matters for which legal aid can be granted by the Legal Aid & Advisory Authority and
• The criteria for persons seeking to accessing the service.

All persons seeking legal aid would be subjected to the requisite assessments and approvals to determine whether they qualify for legal aid.

Anyone seeking legal advice or legal aid should bring identification documents and all documents and/or information related to their matter.

The Legal Aid and Advice Act requires a small contribution of the Applicant in High Court matters and Probate applications. In all matters, disbursement fees (photocopies, Commissioner’s fee etc) and non-legal professional fees are borne by the Applicant.

The current cost is $50.00 which is payable in cash at all offices.

The receipt given remains valid for three (3) months and persons can return at any time within that period and obtain further advice on the same matter.

Old Age Pensioners and persons receiving the Disability Grant/Public Assistance are exempted from the payment of $50.00 upon presentation of supporting documents.

Yes, a person can get legal advice for more than one matter.