Legal Aid in New Zealand
A complete guide to getting free or subsidized legal help
Quick Answer: What is Legal Aid?
Legal Aid is government-funded assistance that helps people who can't afford a lawyer. If you qualify, the government pays some or all of your legal costs.
- Who qualifies: Low-income individuals and families
- What's covered: Family, criminal, and some civil matters
- Cost: Free or subsidized (may need to repay if you win money)
Eligibility Requirements
Financial Test
- ✓ Income below threshold (varies by family size)
- ✓ Limited assets and savings
- ✓ Assessment of disposable income
- ✓ Partner's income may be included
Case Merit Test
- ✓ Reasonable grounds for the case
- ✓ Likely to succeed or have merit
- ✓ Cost-effective to pursue
- ✓ Not frivolous or vexatious
Note: Income limits change annually. As of 2026, a single person typically needs gross income under ~$24,000/year. Check the current limits at legalaid.govt.nz
What Legal Aid Covers
Family Law
- • Custody and care arrangements
- • Protection orders
- • Relationship property disputes
- • Child support matters
Criminal Law
- • Serious criminal charges
- • Youth Court matters
- • Appeals in certain cases
- • Duty lawyer services
Civil Matters
- • Employment disputes (limited)
- • Immigration matters (limited)
- • Tenancy issues
- • Debt and consumer issues
How to Apply for Legal Aid
Check Eligibility
Use the online eligibility calculator or speak to a legal aid lawyer
Income and asset limits vary based on family size and case type
Find a Legal Aid Lawyer
Search for lawyers who accept legal aid in your area
Not all lawyers take legal aid cases - check before applying
Complete Application
Your lawyer will help you complete the legal aid application
Provide income proof, bank statements, and case details
Receive Decision
Legal Services Agency reviews and approves or declines
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks
Other Free Legal Help Options
Community Law Centres
Free legal advice and representation for eligible people
communitylaw.org.nz
Citizens Advice Bureau
Free general legal information and referrals
cab.org.nz
Duty Lawyers
Free lawyer at court for criminal matters
Available at all District Courts
Law Society Panels
Reduced-fee lawyers for certain matters
lawsociety.org.nz
Important Things to Know About Legal Aid
Repayment Requirements
Legal Aid is not always completely free:
- If you win money or property, you may need to repay some legal aid costs
- A charge may be placed on your property
- Repayment is based on your ability to pay
- Some grants have no repayment requirement
What Legal Aid Doesn't Cover
- Most civil disputes between private parties
- Business and commercial matters
- Defamation cases
- Most personal injury claims (covered by ACC)
- Matters where you're unlikely to succeed
Processing Times
Legal aid applications typically take 2-4 weeks to process. For urgent matters (like protection orders), expedited processing is available.
Need Legal Help?
Whether you qualify for legal aid or not, we can help you find the right lawyer for your situation.