Legal Aid Ontario - Duty Counsel Offices

Record #: 69042234 | Last Full Update: 9 Dec 2025

Description and Services
Description (Service)	Lawyers available to give immediate legal assistance to people who appear in court without a lawyer assists with criminal or family law issues referrals to other legal aid services Family duty counsel: advice about legal rights, obligations and the court process help to negotiate and settle issues help to review or prepare court documents to be filed assistance in the courtroom with child protection hearings, garnishment and support hearings, requesting adjournments, arguing motions, hearings for issues such as custody, access, or support where the issues are not complicated Criminal duty counsel: advice about legal rights, obligations and the court process assistance in the courtroom for bail hearings and sentencing assistance with diversion, guilty pleas and adjournments may also provide assistance in specialized courts such as mental health, drug treatment, domestic violence and Aboriginal persons (Gladue) court
Hours	Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Eligibility	Individuals with a low income who have their court date and time and who cannot afford legal services youth charged with a criminal offense Gross family income must be below: $22,720 for households with one family member $32,131 for households with two family members $39,137 for households with three family members $45,440 for households with four family members $50,803 for households with five family members or more
Languages	English, French
Application	Drop in on the day of the court date before the scheduled court appearance * it is recommended to come at least 30 minutes before court starts * bring all documents, inlcuding the disclosure
Location & Accessibility
Service Area	Ottawa
Address	161 Elgin St Ottawa, ON K2P 2K1 Canada Get Directions
Physical Access	Fully Accessible
Contact Information
Office	613-238-7931
TTY	7-1-1
Email	info@lao.on.ca
Website	https://www.legalaid.on.ca/duty-counsel-offices/
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