Bring the documents.
Have your certificate, court papers and relevant correspondence ready. Include any approaching hearing dates or deadlines.
Legal Aid Ontario
Support for the next step.
If you have a Legal Aid Ontario certificate for a family or child protection matter, an HCLS member can review your case and the support available.
Finding your lawyerA good fit
A good fit
starts with a conversation.
Your certificate is a starting point for finding a lawyer who understands your matter. HCLS Members accept certificates for qualifying family and child protection work.
Share your information through the dedicated intake. A lawyer can then review your circumstances, certificate coverage and advise whether they would be able to assist you.
Get to know the lawyersQuestions worth asking
- What experience do you have with matters like mine?
- What are the options available to me?
- Is the outcome I am hoping for realistic?
- What work does my certificate cover?
- Who will handle the different parts of my case?
Make the most
of your first meeting.
A little preparation gives you and your lawyer more time to focus on the legal questions.
Write your questions.
Note the issues you want to discuss and the outcomes you hope for. Be ready to explain the background as clearly as you can.
Ask for clarity.
Take notes and ask about anything you do not understand. Your lawyer can explain the next steps and the work covered by your certificate.
Certificate hours are limited. Time spent on emails and phone calls can count toward the available hours, so organized documents and focused communications help make the most of the coverage.
About certificatesKnow where
Know where
you stand.
Legal Aid Ontario determines financial and legal eligibility, and the coverage available for a matter.
Visit Legal Aid OntarioWhat is a Legal Aid certificate?
A Legal Aid Ontario certificate can authorize a private-practice lawyer who accepts it to provide services for a covered matter. The certificate defines the work or hours available. Eligibility and coverage are determined by Legal Aid Ontario.
Which matters can HCLS Members help with?
HCLS Members accept certificates for qualifying family law and child protection matters. Submit your certificate and information so a lawyer can review coverage, availability and whether they can assist.
Does sending a certificate mean I am represented?
No. A lawyer first needs to review the matter and confirm acceptance. Sending an intake form or certificate alone does not establish a solicitor-client relationship.
What if I do not have a certificate yet?
Visit Legal Aid Ontario for information about eligibility and applying. HCLS does not issue Legal Aid certificates. Privately funded consultations and services are also available.
Can my appointment be online?
Yes. HCLS meetings are remote by default. If you need an in-person appointment at the Ottawa office, request it in advance. Home visits are not available for Legal Aid certificate matters.
We’re here when you’re ready
Your next chapterstarts with a conversation.
You don’t need to have all the answers. Tell us where you are, and we’ll help you find a way forward.