Legal Aid & Family Legal Advice Services

Legal Aid

Legal Aid can pay for many different types of proceedings in the Family Court. However, there are income and asset thresholds to qualify for Legal Aid.

We have a full team of legal aid providers who can assist you with your Family Court proceedings.

While in some cases you will not be required to repay the full amount of Legal Aid paid to your lawyer, you will often be required to repay some of it. The exact amount you are required to pay is assessed by Legal Aid based on your individual circumstances.

Qualifying for Legal Aid

You will usually qualify for Legal Aid if you receive a benefit from WINZ, or if your income is lower than the following amounts:

  • If you are single: $28,444

  • If you have 1 dependent (spouse/partner or child): $45,044

  • If you have 2 dependents (spouse/partner and/or children): $64,755

  • If you have 3 dependents (spouse/partner and/or children): $73,608

  • If you have 4 dependents (spouse/partner and/or children): $82,253

  • If you have 5 dependents (spouse/partner and/or children): $91,949

  • If you have more than 5 dependents the income threshold increases by $8,192 for each additional dependent.

If you think you qualify for Legal Aid, it is very important that you bring the following documents with you so that we can complete your application:

  • Proof of Income e.g. a statement from IRD, your last 3 months of bank statements, or a letter from WINZ confirming a) that you currently receive a benefit and b) the amount of that benefit.

Family Legal Advice Service (FLAS)

Family Legal Advice Service (FLAS) is a limited form of financial assistance provided by the Government to assist you if you are wanting to go to the Family Court to resolve disputes relating to your children. We can give you initial advice and help with the drafting of your court application.

The income limits for FLAS are similar to, but not exactly the same as, the limits for Legal Aid. However, you are not required to pay back FLAS.

If you think you might qualify for FLAS, it is important that you bring the following documents with you so that we can complete your application:

  • Proof of Income; e.g. a statement from IRD, your last 3 months of bank statements, or a letter form WINZ confirming that you receive a benefit and the amount of that benefit

  • New Zealand photo identification; e.g. driver licence or passport

What if I'm not eligible?

If you are not eligible for FLAS or Legal Aid, no problem – we can still act for you on a private retainer basis and can discuss an affordable payment plan.

If you’d like to set up a payment plan, or you’re not sure whether you quality for FLAS or Legal Aid, give us a call on (09) 238 7004, or come in and see us at 64 Edinburgh St, Pukekohe, and we will be able to help you.