Legal Aid is the Government-assisted Programme that offers advice and assistance to persons who cannot afford to pay the full legal cost of a lawyer in private practice. The Service is not free.

There is no absolute entitlement to legal aid. Assistance is based on need, circumstances and available resources. Thus, the programme ensure that those who can afford to contribute towards their legal cost do so.

The LAAC was set up to assist person of low income. Particularly women and children. The elderly also qualify for advice and assistance.

Juvenile (youth), accompanied by an adult, are also eligible for legal assistance.

The LAAC can help you if you have a problem in the following areas:

Family Matters-domestic violence, Child Support, access to and custody of Children, adoption, divorce and maintenance.

Juveniles-Children under the age of 18 years. Consumer Affairs Matters, Landlord and Tenant, Wills and Inheritance Matters, Affidavits, Power of Attorney, Deeds Poll, Notarising of documents, Writing of Letters, Citizenship and Passport forms

1. If you have a need, and the Centre can help, First call or contact the Centre.
2. You will then need to make an application for legal assistance. This is done at the Centre in person, or by a relative or friend as the case may be. You must give relevant information about yourself and your financial circumstances, e.g: Living expenses, sources of income, any assets you own (Land, house, car, tools, appliances, etc.) This enables the Centre to conduct a proper Means Test in your case. You will be asked to submit proof of your circumstances, eg: Pay slip of your workplace, where relevant; ownership of assets; bills paid by you; and of course, identification documents such as passport, driver’s licence, Elector’s ID, birth certificate, etc, The Centre reserves the right to verify any information you have given.
3. Your application will then be processed and you will be advised whether you qualify for help, and what contribution if any you may need to make. A standard processing fee is requested, as well as a reasonable charge for the legal service rendered.
4. The Centre will than assign an attorney to your case.

The Centre observes complete confidentiality about your case; and may also refer you to other agencies or departments for other services and support.

The Centre is a government initiative which was implemented in collaboration with the OECS-CIDA JLR project.

For further information contact:

The Legal Aid and Advice Centre
Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs
Government Complex
P.O. Box 1726
Parliament Drive
St. John’s, Antigua

Office Hours: Mon-Thur: 8:00am – 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am -3:00pm
Call for an appointment, or special visits
Tel: (268) 562-4764, (268) 562-4933, (268) 462-0017/9 Ext. 238
Fax: (268) 562-4765
Email: legalaid@antigua.gov.ag