Legal Aid & Family Legal Advice Services

Legal Aid

Legal Aid can help cover the cost of a wide range of proceedings in the Family Court. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet certain income and asset thresholds.

Our team includes experienced legal aid providers who can assist you with your Family Court matters.

In some cases, Legal Aid is fully funded and doesn’t need to be repaid. In other situations, you may be required to repay some or all of the legal costs. The exact amount you are required to pay is assessed by Legal Aid based on your individual circumstances.

Qualifiying for Legal Aid

You may qualify for Legal Aid if you receive a benefit from WINZ or if your income is below a certain limit. These limits depend on:

  • Whether you're single or partnered

  • The number of dependents you support

Select the options below to view the relevant income thresholds:

  • If you’re applying on your own, your annual income must be below the following limits to qualify:

    • If you have no dependents: $28,984

    • If you have 1 dependent (spouse/partner or child): $45,900

    • If you have 2 dependents (spouse/partner and/or children): $66,005

    • If you have 3 dependents (spouse/partner and/or children): $75,006

    • If you have 4 dependents (spouse/partner and/or children): $83,816

    • If you have 5 dependents (spouse/partner and/or children): $93,696

    • If you have more than 5 dependents the income threshold increases by $8,192 for each additional dependent.

  • If you live with a partner, your combined household income must be below the following limits:

    • If you have no dependents: $45,900

    • If you have 1 dependent: $66,005

    • If you have 2 dependents: $75,006

    • If you have 3 dependents: $83,816

    • If you have 4 dependents: $93,696

    • If you have 5 dependents: $101,888

    • If you have more than 5 dependents the income threshold increases by $8,192 for each additional dependent.

To complete your Legal Aid application, it’s important that you bring one of the following documents as proof of income:

  • A recent statement from IRD, or

  • Your last 3 months of bank statements, or

  • A letter from WINZ confirming:

    a) that you currently receive a benefit, and

    b) the amount of that benefit.

Family Legal Advice Service (FLAS)

Family Legal Advice Service (FLAS) is a limited form of financial assistance provided by the Government to assist you if you are wanting to go to the Family Court to resolve disputes relating to your children. We can give you initial advice and help with the drafting of your court application.

The income limits for FLAS are similar to, but not exactly the same as, the limits for Legal Aid. However, you are not required to pay back FLAS.

If you think you might qualify for FLAS, it is important that you bring the following documents with you so that we can complete your application:

  • Proof of Income; e.g. a statement from IRD, your last 3 months of bank statements, or a letter form WINZ confirming that you receive a benefit and the amount of that benefit

  • New Zealand photo identification; e.g. drivers licence or passport

What if I'm not eligible?

If you are not eligible for FLAS or Legal Aid, no problem – we can still act for you on a private retainer basis and can discuss an affordable payment plan.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for FLAS or Legal Aid, or you would like to discuss payment options, give us a call on (09) 238 7004, or come in and see us at 64 Edinburgh St, Pukekohe. We’re here to help.

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