How to obtain legal aid: approaches and criteria

Get a jurisdictional aid May seem complicated, but I will guide you through this process. As a specialist in passionate legal law, I know how necessary it is to have access to a legal representation, whatever your financial situation. Let me explain how you can benefit from this precious help.

Understand legal aid and its eligibility conditions

Jurisdictional aid is an essential system put in place by the State to guarantee access to justice for all. It allows people with limited resources to benefit from total or partial coverage of the costs linked to legal proceedings. Here are the main criteria to meet:

Resource criteria

The first determining element is your level of income. The ceilings are reassessed each year, so be sure to check the amounts in force. To obtain legal aidyour monthly resources must be below a certain threshold. Do not hesitate to make an online simulation to assess your eligibility.

Nationality and residence conditions

Help is accessible to:

• French citizens
• European Union nationals
• Foreigners in regular situations on French territory

I have often seen cases where people thought they were not eligible because of their nationality, when they were. Don’t self-censure, find out!

Types of procedures concerned

Jurisdictional aid covers a wide range of procedures. It can be applied to trials, divorces by mutual consent, transactions, the execution of a court decision, and even for mediation. I remember a client who did not know that he could benefit from it for family mediation, which considerably facilitated the resolution of his conflict.

Steps to request legal aid

Once you have checked your eligibility, it’s time to take action. Here are the steps to follow to make your request:

Where and when to submit your request

You must send your request to the legal aid office of the judicial court of your home. Alternatively, you can deposit it at the unique reception service of the defendant of the competent court for your business. For some jurisdictions, an online request is even possible, which greatly simplifies the approach.

A crucial point to remember: the request must be made avant or during the procedure concerned, and imperatively before the hearing. I insist on this point because I saw too many people pass by this help for lack of having asked it in time.

Constitution of the file

To build your file, you will need the following elements:

1. The Cerfa form n ° 15626*01 duly completed
2. Proof of your resources
3. Parts relating to your business

If you have difficulty filling out the form, don’t be discouraged! Help is available in justice points or France Services structures. I strongly encourage my customers to take advantage of these free services to ensure that their file is complete and well presented.

Request

Once your file has been filed, the legal aid office will examine it from two angles:

The examination period may vary, but stay patient. If your request is accepted, you will benefit either total assistance or from partial assistance according to your resources. In case of refusal, do not lose hope! You have 15 days to appeal.

Special cases and extensions of legal aid

Jurisdictional aid is not limited to conventional procedures in France. It can also apply in specific situations:

International procedures

If your business concerns another country of the European Union, know that legal aid can extend to these procedures. It is an often unknown aspect, but which can be of great help in cross -border litigation.

Minor protection

Minors heard by a judge automatically benefit from legal aid. It is an essential provision to protect the rights of the youngest in the face of justice.

Victims of serious crimes

Particularly serious victims of crimes can benefit from legal aid without resource condition. This measure aims to facilitate access to justice for people who have undergone significant damage.

As a committed professional, I can only encourage you to explore all the options at your disposal. Jurisdictional aid is a precious right that allows everyone to access justice, regardless of their financial situation. Do not hesitate to inquire and ask for help to build your file. Justice is there to protect you, and legal aid is there to give you access.