Civil legal aid in Ireland is administered by the Legal Aid Board. To get help with a family-law matter such as divorce, separation, custody or maintenance, you have to pass two tests: a financial means test and a merits test. This page explains both in plain English and what your options are if you don't qualify.
The Financial Means Test
The Legal Aid Board looks at your disposable income and your disposable capital. These are not your gross figures; they are what is left after standard allowances are applied.
Income limit
Your disposable income must be below €18,000 per year. The Board deducts allowances for:
- Income tax, PRSI and USC
- A spouse or partner (if relevant)
- Each dependent child or adult
- Accommodation costs (rent or mortgage), up to a cap
- Childcare costs, up to a cap
Capital limit
Your disposable capital must be below €100,000. The value of the family home is excluded. Savings, investments, other property and valuable assets are counted.
Even if you qualify, you usually pay a contribution. The minimum is €30 for legal advice and €130 for legal aid (representation in court). The contribution rises with your income and capital.
The Merits Test
Passing the financial test isn't enough on its own. The Board also has to be satisfied that the case is worth bringing or defending. To pass the merits test, all of the following must be true:
- A reasonable person would be likely to bring or defend the case at their own expense.
- You have reasonable grounds for taking, defending or being a party to the proceedings.
- You are reasonably likely to succeed in the case.
- Legal aid is the most satisfactory means of dealing with the matter.
- The likely cost is not disproportionate to the likely benefit.
What's Covered (and What's Not)
Most family-law matters are covered, including divorce, judicial separation, nullity, custody and access, maintenance, domestic violence orders and child-protection proceedings. Some matters are excluded, such as defamation, conveyancing and most disputes brought as a representative of a group.
Waiting lists for Legal Aid Board law centres can be long in many parts of Ireland. Priority is given to certain urgent matters (for example, domestic violence and child welfare), but for general family-law advice you may wait months for an appointment.
How to Apply
- Find your nearest Legal Aid Board law centre on legalaidboard.ie.
- Complete the legal services application form.
- Provide proof of income, capital, outgoings and dependants.
- Attend a means assessment with the law centre.
- If you qualify, you'll be placed on the waiting list or seen sooner if your case is a priority.
If You Don't Qualify for Legal Aid
Many people in Ireland fall into the gap: they earn too much to qualify for civil legal aid, but not enough to comfortably pay a private solicitor. If that's you, Saor Law was built for this exact situation.
We are an Irish non-profit. Our volunteer solicitors and barristers donate their time to give free, confidential advice on family-law matters anywhere in the country. There is no means test and no waiting list to speak to us.
Legal Aid vs Saor Law
| Legal Aid Board | Saor Law | |
|---|---|---|
| Means test | Yes | No |
| Contribution | €30 - several hundred euro | Always free |
| Waiting time | Often several months | Usually within days |
| Court representation | Yes, if you qualify | Advice only; we can refer you on |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for legal aid in Ireland?
Your disposable income must be below €18,000 per year after standard allowances. Disposable capital (savings and assets other than the family home) must be below €100,000.
Do I have to pay anything for legal aid?
Yes. Even if you qualify, you pay a contribution. The minimum is €30 for legal advice and €130 for legal aid in court. It rises with your income and capital.
How long does it take to get a Legal Aid Board appointment?
Waiting times vary by law centre. For non-priority matters it can be several months. Urgent cases such as domestic violence and child welfare are prioritised.
What if I don't qualify for legal aid?
Speak to Saor Law. We provide free family-law advice from volunteer Irish solicitors and barristers, with no means test.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Figures and rules can change; always confirm the current limits with the Legal Aid Board before applying.