When we talk about Legal Aid on this page we mean the appointment, by the Legal Services Society, of a lawyer in private practice to help a person with their legal problems. When a private lawyer is appointed by the Legal Services Society, the lawyer's bill is paid for by the Legal Services Society. The Law Centre administers the Legal Aid in the Greater Victoria area, including Saltspring Island. To qualify for Legal Aid, a person must first be financially eligible.
Eligibility is governed by an income and asset test.
Exceptions to the financial test will only be made in serious emergencies. Proof of income is required. In addition to being financially eligible, a person must demonstrate that his or her problem falls within the type of cases which Legal Aid pays for. Currently, there are four types of legal problems covered by Legal Aid. Depending on a person's income, a contribution to the Legal Services Society may also be required before Legal Aid is granted.