Contents:

[ Legal Aid Ontario Certificate Program ]
[ Family Law Information Centre ]
[ Duty Counsel & Advice Lawyers ]

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) Certificate Program

119 Main St. East
Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z3
Tel: (905) 528-0134
Fax: (905) 528-1857

Bus Routes:
Within walking distance of most bus routes from Gore Park.

Hours:
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Applications taken:  Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

(Applications not taken on Fridays - general inquiries only)

Languages:
English and French.
Alternative arrangements can be made if you do not speak either of these two languages.

Legal Aid Ontario Office:

The Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) office processes applications for legal aid certificates in several areas of law: criminal, family, mental health, refugee claims and some civil litigation.The service is on a first come, first serve basis and is usually free if you have little or no income. Once you are determined to be eligible for legal aid, you will be issued a legal aid certificate. You can take the certificate to a lawyer who accepts them and Legal Aid Ontario will pay the lawyer's fees.

The Legal Aid Ontario office needs all of your case and financial information to determine your eligibility. You should bring the following documents with you (this information will be kept private and confidential):

• Documents relating to your case, such as court orders, separation agreements, a copy of the Crown Screening form (for criminal charges).
• Identification such as: Social Insurance card, driver's license, health card, birth certificate, passport.
• Proof of income: your pay stubs, a photocopy of your up-to-date Disability cheques and receipts from any other income that you receive.
• Proof of mortgage payments or rent receipts and hydro, gas, car and other payments.
• Deed for your house.
• Updated bank account statements.
• The Legal Aid Ontario Office has a complete list of the information that you will need.

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Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) and Family Advice Lawyers

55 Main St. W.
Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H4
Tel: (905) 645-5252 ext. 2554

The office is located at Main St. West and MacNab in the Superior Court of Justice, Family Division.

Bus Routes:
On the Delaware/West Hamilton/Main West, Beeline, University, King 1A, Locke and Sanatorium Lines; within walking distance of all other lines going through downtown.

Hours:
Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m, 1:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Closed 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Languages
If you do not speak English or French, FLIC will make arrangements for a cultural interpreter.

FLIC offers information and counselling to people who are going through a divorce or separation. They also offer legal counsel. FLIC is a free service. They offer the following services:

• On Site Mediator (if you are involved in the court process)
  tel: 905-645-5252 ext. 2515
• Self-Service Area
  Pamphlets, brochures, videos, etc. are available on various areas of family law.
• Family Court Advice Lawyer
  These are lawyers that are available to provide you with legal advice for a time period of twenty minutes. If there is need for more time, the lawyers will suggest that you apply for a legal aid certificate. You must be financially eligible.

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Duty Counsel & Advice Lawyers

Lawyers are available to talk to you about your legal problems if you have little or no income. They only provide legal advice on a first come, first served basis.

• Duty counsel lawyers are located at the courthouse or at a tribunal.
• Advice lawyers are available at other public locations.

When going for advice, take all documents relating to your case. It would also be best if you prepared your questions in advance.

Family Court  Monday-Friday
55 Main St. West, Hamilton 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Located at Main St. West and MacNab in the Superior Court of Justice, Family Division (Available on the day of your hearing only).

Criminal Court  Monday-Friday
45 Main St. West, Hamilton  8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Located in the Superior Court of Justice, Criminal Division

Landlord Tenant Board Duty Counsel
This service is for tenants only. If you need help with a landlord & tenant dispute, lawyers or legal workers can give you advice at the following:

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