We often encounter various problems in our lives. Today, most people need legal support. However, not everyone can afford it. Free primary legal aid (FPLA) is a type of state guarantee. This includes consultations, clarification of legal issues, legal procedures, drafting applications, complaints, etc. (except procedural documents). Such assistance also provides access to secondary legal aid and mediation. Who and where in Ukraine provides free consultations, how it works - further.
Legal aid. Subjects receiving legal aid
These are all those who are under Ukrainian jurisdiction. First of all, these are state authorities and local self-government bodies. They have a duty to help those who have addressed them in writing (Parts 4 and 5 of Article 10 of the Law of Ukraine "On Free Legal Aid"). They must provide the relevant services within 30 days. If the appeal contains only a request, then assistance will be provided within 15 days.
The Supreme Court recently ruled that a public information manager does not have the right to refuse to respond to a request, and in addition, to indicate that the information is available from general sources.
Public receptions of the Ukrainian Helsinki Union for Human Rights (UHHRU)
Such reception centers exist throughout Ukraine. You can see their location on the website.
In general, the Ukrainian Human Rights Union is the largest association of human rights organizations in Ukraine. The Union includes 29 human rights non-governmental organizations. And the goal is to protect human rights.
Network of legal clinics
There are 60 legal aid points in the network. The main idea is to provide law students with the opportunity to provide free legal advice. At the same time, the low-income population can receive high-quality legal aid.
Information about the legal clinic can be found on the website (Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine).
Secondary free legal aid
This is a type of state guarantee. It is aimed at creating equal opportunities for access to justice. The services consist of protection, representation of interests, and preparation of documents (procedural nature).
Free secondary legal aid is provided by relevant regional and local centers and lawyers who are in the Register of Lawyers.
Such assistance is intended for:
- persons whose average monthly income does not exceed 2 subsistence minimums;
- people with disabilities;
- children and orphans deprived of parental care are in difficult circumstances;
- internally displaced persons;
- persons who are detained or have been placed under administrative arrest;
- those in custody;
- sentenced to imprisonment;
- refugees or persons in need of protection (promotion of the relevant Law);
- war veterans;
- persons who have made significant contributions to the country;
- those who are among the victims of Nazi persecution;
- people against whom the court is considering a case regarding restriction of civil capacity;
- regarding the provision of psychiatric care (compulsory court order);
- rehabilitated persons;
- those who have suffered from domestic or sexual violence.
What is needed to seek legal assistance?
First of all, call the center that is closest to you. Then - consult: what rights you have, what documents are needed, when to come. Write an application at the center itself. Submit it together with the collected documents. Where are the legal aid centers located, their contacts, can be seen on the website www.legalaid.gov.ua.
Pro bono Exchange is another organization that provides free legal assistance. To receive it, you must fill out an application on the website (section - "Get legal assistance"). You will receive a confirmation email to the email address you provide.
If you need legal assistance from our lawyers, you can find information about consulting on the Judicial Affairs website.