Legal Aid

Jeremy is committed to ensuring everyone has access to justice. He accepts clients who need legal aid for family law and some other civil and Tribunal cases.

The income threshold for eligibility for legal aid has recently been increased, ensuring more New Zealanders are able to access legal representation.

If you are on a benefit, or on a low to moderate income while working, you will normally qualify for legal aid.

Legal aid is mostly a loan and not a grant. This means you will often be required to repay the legal aid granted to you either weekly or after your matter concludes.

We can help you fill out the paperwork or email it to you and help take the stress away from all the questions asked and what is required of you.

For more information on legal aid, visit the Legal Services Agency website ( www.lsa.govt.nz) or ring our office on 09 263 6953 to discuss your situation.

 

Do I qualify for Legal Aid?

Whether or not you are eligible for legal aid depends on a number of factors including:

  • The amount of money you earn before tax
  • Whether or not you receive a benefit
  • The number of children you are paying for in your care
  • Whether you are married, in a civil union or de facto relationship (including same-sex relationships). If you are, your partner’s finances will also be taken into account
  • The value of your assets (possessions)
  • The value of your debts (money you owe).

If you are a beneficiary or have a low level of income, then you will usually qualify for legal aid.

The LSA has an online calculator to help you work out whether you might be eligible for legal aid – www.lsa.govt.nz. This will give you an indication only. A full assessment is done by LSA after your lawyer completes an application form with you.

What cases are covered by Legal Aid?

At Jeremy Sutton law we cover some family law cases, which may include parenting, abduction or family violence cases. We also cover employment law cases, and some tribunal work. Please call us to discuss your specific case, and we will advise whether we are able to represent you. If we can’t take on your case, we may be able to recommend another lawyer who can.

 

Employment Law

We have expertise in Employment law and can assist you at all stages of the process from explaining your legal options and drafting documents, to representing you at mediation and in Court.

 

Tribunals and Appeals

We act for clients in matters relating to the following Tribunals:

  • Removal Review Authority
  • Victims Special Claims Tribunal
  • Human Rights Review Tribunal
  • Deportation Review Tribunal
  • Tenancy Tribunal
  • Coroners Court
  • Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal
  • Immigration and Protection Tribunal
  • Disciplinary tribunal hearings for professionals
  • Parole Board

We also have expertise in appealing tribunal decisions to the Courts.

 

Civil Litigation

We are able to provide expert advice and representation in a wide range of civil matters. We can help you through every step of the process, from initial advice at the start of a dispute, through to negotiation, mediation and Court proceedings if necessary.

We have particular expertise in:

  • Contractual disputes, for example with insurance companies
  • Negligence claims, for example regarding leaky homes
  • Insolvency
  • Property, building and lease disputes
  • Bill of Rights claims
  • Judicial review
  • Proceeds of crime.