Are you currently dealing with legal issues and looking for an affordable lawyer who can help without emptying your wallet?
No matter the legal service you are seeking, they often come with an important bill and trying to find a bargain is not as easy as it seems.
This is especially the case when you are in a stressful situation…
Hence, you might be wondering if it is possible to find an affordable lawyer for a consultation or any other legal service. This is exactly what JuriGo will explain to you in this subject.
Not only will you be able to use one of the many affordable possibilities to obtain the lawyer’s help, but it is also possible, in some cases, to employ a lawyer for his services entirely free of charge.
Do you want to compare the different lawyers in your region? By filling out JuriGo’s form, we will be able to find the right lawyer for you and put you in contact entirely free of charge and without any commitment from you.
Before Going to Court: Seek Mediation (or Arbitration)!
When you are trying to find an affordable lawyer near you, the first thing to understand is how they are normally getting paid. As you may know, most lawyers go with a per-hour rate. Therefore, the more procedures you decide to go with, the more expensive the services will be.
One of the most expensive things is to go in front of a judge. Indeed, that will require numerous hours of preparation, research, redaction as well as representation. Although most people believe that it is the only option available, this could not be further from the truth!
Before considering a court hearing, you should pay close attention to two very popular alternatives: arbitration or mediation. Both options allow you to resolve the issue without having to ask for a judge.
In the case of a mediation, both parties will need to consent to ask for the intervention of a mediator. Afterwards, the mediator will help you to find a solution that everybody is satisfied with. However, contrary to the arbitrator, the mediator can’t impose a solution on the parties, he will simply help the conversation and propose solutions.
| Did you know? Once you choose a mediator, he will be an unbiased professional. Therefore, you might need to seek the advice of a lawyer that will be able to represent you during the mediation. |
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Normally, the rate of the mediator will be divided between both parties. However, if you need a family mediator, you might be able to receive a free session. Hence, if you are going through a divorce or a separation, the government offers 5 hours free of charge.
If both parties are well prepared, the free hours could be sufficient to find a solution. That way, you will be able to complete the process without having to spend too much of your money on legal fees.
Currently looking for an affordable mediator? All you need to do is fill out the form, and we will take care of the rest for you.
How to Find a Free Lawyer Near Me?
To start with, it is important to mention that it is possible to find a free lawyer in Québec. However, that is easier said than done. Generally speaking, legal services are expensive and thus, finding a free option in any field of practice is rare. To put the chances on your side, you must be able to know where to look.
What are the different ways to hire a free lawyer near you?
1) Government’s Legal Aid
Firstly, the main way to find a free lawyer is to use the legal aid program from the government. This program has been created to improve the access to legal services for people with a low revenue.
Of course, to be eligible, you must respect some criteria imposed by law. Notably, it will be necessary to consider your family's income as well as your current family situation. Here are the threshold of income to receive free legal aid:
| Family situation | Income (2024) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 27 755$ |
| 1 person and 1 child | 33 960$ |
| 1 person and 2 children or more | 36 253$ |
| 2 people | 38 628$ |
| 2 people and 1 child | 43 220$ |
| 2 people and 2 children or more | 45 515$ |
If you and your family are under the threshold, you will be able to ask for legal aid and be represented by a lawyer for free. Of course, to do so, your file must be eligible for legal aid. For instance, defamation will never be covered by legal aid.
However, if you are over the threshold, it does not mean you won’t have access to legal aid. It simply means that you won’t be able to have free legal representation. The program also has a contributory component that grants legal representation between 100$ and $800. You will need to look at the different thresholds.
Verify if you are eligible for legal aid by filling out JuriGo’s form entirely for free right now!
2) Hire a Percentage Lawyer
Although it is not technically free, the percentage lawyer is a great alternative when you do not have the money upfront. In that case, you will pay the professional according to the result of your file.
| Be careful! Even if the lawyer accepts a percentage income, he will probably include an alternative in case you do not win your case. Although the salary will be lower, it will allow him to receive a small payment for his work. |
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He will take a portion of the money you will receive from the court decision. In other words, he will be taking the risk of not getting paid if the file does not go your way. However, it is important to keep in mind that his pay will probably be higher.
The great advantage of this option is that you will not have to take money from your pockets to pay the lawyer. This is a great alternative for people who do not currently have the means to pay a lawyer.
What Are the Services Offered by an Affordable Lawyer?
You want to find an affordable lawyer, but you do not want to compromise the service you will obtain? That is often the biggest debate people looking for a lawyer are facing now of their decision.
Some people also decide not to seek legal representation. Although this possibility is more frequent in civil claims, it is particularly difficult if you face a criminal case or any issue relating to immigration.
1) Affordable Services in Criminal Law
You are accused of having committed a crime, but you don’t have the means to hire a criminal lawyer? Know that everybody is entitled to a fair defence. Therefore, you will be able to receive free representation by a lawyer.
When should you go see a lawyer specialising in criminal law? Most people will seek legal advice only a few times in their life. However, that does not mean you should not be ready. Therefore, it is recommended to go see a lawyer in those situations:
- You are placed under arrest,
- A police officer arrested you for drinking under the influence,
- You committed a penal infraction, and
- You are about to start a criminal trial.
Being accused of having committed a crime is never a good sensation. Most people will feel disoriented and will not know what to do and, more importantly, what not to do. This is why a lawyer by your side is very important.
2) Affordable Services in Immigration Law
You are currently having an issue with the immigration authorities, and you don’t know what to do? In that case, the help of a lawyer specialised in immigration law can make a difference.
Most of the time, you will face long delays, and you will be required to fill out numerous documents. For someone who is not accustomed to the procedures in Québec or even in Canada, it might be impossible to do. Here are the services offered by an affordable immigration lawyer:
- Asylum application,
- Citizenship application,
- Sponsorship request, and
- Threat of expulsion.
In such a situation, there is always the possibility of receiving legal aid from the government’s program. However, if you are not eligible, the best alternative is to look for a non-profit organisation.
Compare the Affordable Lawyers near you with JuriGo!
When you face a legal issue, it is normal to feel completely lost and not know what the next steps are. This is particularly the case when the financial concerns are present from the get-go.
Unfortunately, a lot of people give up on their rights simply because they can’t afford the services of a lawyer. In such a situation, the first step is to understand what your limits are and what are the available options.
Most people are not aware of the many alternatives to the conventional process of hiring a lawyer with a per-hour rate. Indeed, you might be able to find the right representation in your price range.
Facing a legal issue? JuriGo will allow you to find the right lawyer according to your standards and your criteria. All you need to do is to fill out the form, and we will take care of the rest for you!