Legal Aid

Legal aid is a source of government funding which is available to people who otherwise would not be able to afford legal advice or an advocate to represent them in court.

• This service is free of charge.
• Legal Aid is only available to individuals.

• Legal Aid is not available to companies, businesses, clubs or firms.

There is no residency qualification, so legal aid on the Isle of Man can be granted to someone who lives in another jurisdiction however the proceedings for which they seek legal aid must be a case which is being processed in the Isle of Man and subject to Manx Law.

Whether a person qualifies or not depends on their financial position and whether they have good cause to pursue their case. When the applicant sees an advocate, he will advise them as to what sort of help is available.

ALL applications for civil legal aid must be submitted to the Legal Aid Office through an Isle of Man Advocate, therefore the first thing you must do is approach an Advocate. If you do not have an advocate and the matter is a civil one, please view our webpage for the list of approved panel of Advocates.

Legal Aid for Criminal Matters is designed to financially assist members of the public who have been charged with a criminal offence and are unable to afford the services of an Advocate. This offence is usually when a prosecution has been brought by either the Police or another appropriate authority. 

Application forms may be obtained from the Public Counter at the Isle of Man Courts of Justice or Police Headquarters, Douglas. if you consult an Advocate you should make it clear that you wish to apply for Legal Aid. The forms, when completed, must be forwarded to the Summary Courts Office.

Legal Aid is not available for every criminal offence with which an applicant may be charged.