Do you need legal help?

Original image  by UNDP in Europe and Central Asia.  CC BY-NC-SA

Individuals and families who need legal assistance may call or approach several agencies in Manitoba. These services are usually given free, especially to low-income individuals, or at a minimal cost:

Legal questions/information

If you need to be clear on matters of Canadian or Manitoban laws, you can call the Law Phone-In and Lawyer Referral Service. They provide general legal information and can also refer a lawyer to you. This service is provided by the Community Legal Education Association (CLEA).

You can also consult the Legal Help Centre which provides referrals, public legal help, and education aside from information. Their drop-in clinic is open every Tuesdays and Fridays (except for holidays) from 1:00–4:00 pm. You can also access legal information on their website.

Hiring a lawyer

Some settlement service providers can assist you if you need a lawyer, especially if it involves family violence. Both CLEA and the Legal Help Center also provide referral services. If you want to look for a lawyer independently, you can use online resources such as the Law Society of Manitoba’s Lawyer Look-up, Canadian Law List, or JusticeNet.

Matters of separation and divorce

Manitoba’s Family Conciliation Services provides help to families undergoing separation or divorce. These services are free and may be accessed through the court’s request or directly requested by family members. These services are mediation, counselling, information and referral, and support services for children and teens.

Notarization

Generally, lawyers can notarize documents such as affidavits, certified true copies of original documents, power of attorney, and other documents for a fee. Go to the nearest Settlement Provider Organization for assistance if you can’t find notary services.