How to apply for a pro bono lawyer

Depending on your financial situation, you may be entitled to a (partially) free pro bono lawyer.

What is a pro bono lawyer?

Totally or partially free lawyer

When you need more extensive legal advice, have to appear in court or will be questioned you need a lawyer. Depending on your financial means, you can hire a pro bono lawyer who will act for you for free or for a reduced fee.

Application through BJB

You can submit your application for a pro bono attorney to the BJB. For this, you will have to be able to present the necessary documents to prove your income, livelihood and expenses.

Do you have an appointment at BJB?

Will you be visiting the Legal Assistance Office soon? CAW Antwerp explains everything to you in a clear video.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

All questions

Will I be entitled to pro bono assistance?

Whether you are entitled to a pro bono lawyer depends on your livelihood. People with limited means of support can apply for a pro bono lawyer. Minors are automatically entitled to it. Through the Legal Aid Office, we help you with the allocation of a (partially) free lawyer.

How can I apply for a pro bono lawyer?

You can submit your request for a pro bono lawyer, by appointment or by mail, to the Legal Aid Office. For this, you will have to be able to present the necessary documents to prove your income, livelihood and expenses.

Is pro bono assistance always completely free?

When you need more extensive legal advice, must appear in court, or will be questioned, you need a lawyer. Depending on your financial means, you can hire a pro bono lawyer who will act for you for free or for a reduced fee.

I am a minor, where can I go for pro bono assistance?

Are you under the age of 18? Then you can hire a pro bono lawyer free of charge. He or she will assist you with all kinds of problems. So do not hesitate to contact a lawyer from the Union of Juvenile Lawyers or the BJB yourself. Or let someone you trust help you with this.

What documents do I need to include with the application?

Application form
A recent certificate of family composition, which you can obtain from the municipality where you live or online through the Ministry of the Interior

Depending on your situation:

Pay stubs

Temporary: certificate completed by the temporary employment agency

Health insurance provider: certificate or bank statement indicating the number of days for which benefits were paid
Union: certificate or bank statement showing the number of days paid
OCMW: certificate or bank statement
Allowance from the Federal Public Service Social Security: Certificate for the Integration Allowance (IT) and the Income Replacement Allowance (IVT)
Pension: certificate or bank statement
Collective debt settlement: certificate completed by the debt mediator
Self-employment: see the list of required documents
School Certificate for School-Aged Adults
Bank statement showing maintenance payments received/paid
Negative certificates (e.g., in cases of no income)

Negative certificate OCMW
Negative health insurance certificate
Negative certificate from the RVA (attesten.antwerpen@rvaonem.fgov.be – please include your name and national identification number)

Additional information may be requested at any time.