Bureau d’aide juridique Longueuil – Droit civil – Longueuil, QC

Access to Justice for All

The Bureau d’aide juridique Longueuil – Droit civil is a vital institution within the Quebec justice system, mandated to ensure that low-income citizens have access to legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Located on Boulevard Roland-Therrien, this office specifically handles civil law matters, distinct from criminal defence services. It operates under the governance of the Commission des services juridiques and the local community legal centre (Centre communautaire juridique de la Rive-Sud). The fundamental mission here is to advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable, ensuring that the legal system remains equitable and not just a privilege for the wealthy.

Areas of Legal Practice

The attorneys at this office specialize in several key areas of civil law affecting everyday life:

• Family Law: This is a primary focus, involving cases of divorce, child custody, child support, and youth protection. Lawyers represent parents to ensure fair outcomes for families in crisis.
• Administrative Law: They assist citizens in disputes with government bodies, such as appeals regarding social aid benefits (welfare), SAAQ compensation, or IVAC (crime victims) claims.
• Housing and Civil Rights: Representation in housing disputes or other civil litigations where the client meets the strict financial eligibility criteria.

Eligibility and Contribution

Access to these services is not automatic. Applicants must undergo a rigorous financial eligibility test considering their annual income, family assets, and liquidity. Services may be completely free (Gratuit) for those on social assistance or with very low income, or provided under a ‘contributory’ scheme (Volet contributif) where the client pays a modest fee based on their ability. Citizens seeking aid must make an appointment to have their financial situation assessed and to determine if their legal problem is covered by the Legal Aid Act.