Minors (under 18 years of age) who need legal representation may be eligible for legal aid.
Financial eligibility
Legal aid is provided free of charge to any minor child, regardless of financial eligibility, for all services provided under the Act respecting legal aid and the provision of certain other legal services
Interests opposed to those of the parents
Where the minor’s interests compete with those of his or her father, mother or person with custody under a court order, the cost of services rendered could be claimed from the parents or person with custody of the minor
When the minor requires services that come under the Youth Protection Act (CQLR, c. P-34.1) or the Youth Criminal Justice Act (S.C. 2002, c.1), there will not be any claim for reimbursement from the parents or custodian.
Services covered
Services will always be covered in the following cases:
- cases relating to family law;
- cases regarding tutorship;
- cases where the court exercises powers under the Youth Protection Act (CQLR, c. P-34.1) ;
- when a minor faces proceedings before a court under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (S.C. 2002, c.1).
And, depending on the circumstances, services could be covered in other situations.