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Legal aid for children

Children and their legal representatives

Every child is entitled to free legal aid, including representation of interests in court and procedural documents. Family income does not matter.

Eligibility and application procedure

What you need to know

Every child is entitled to all types of free secondary legal aid. The income of the child, parents or guardians is not assessed.

A child has the right to be heard

A child may independently ask for legal advice. Who submits an application for representation depends on age, the legal issue and procedural rules. A lawyer will explain this free of charge.

Legal services available

01

Legal advice

A lawyer explains your rights, available procedures, deadlines and the evidence that may be useful.

02

Procedural documents

Assistance drafting applications, complaints, claims, appeals and other court documents.

03

Representation of interests in court

A Free Legal Aid system lawyer or a lawyer cooperating with the system may represent your interests where the law provides this service.

Common legal issues

Family

Child support, residence, contact with parents, adoption and parental rights.

Property and payments

Inheritance, housing, survivor pension and other social rights.

Safety

Domestic violence, ill-treatment, bullying, exploitation or violations in educational institutions.

Criminal proceedings

Assistance to a child who is a victim, witness, suspect or accused person.

What to bring, if available

  • birth certificate or another identity document, if available;
  • document of the parent, guardian or other representative;
  • court papers, messages, certificates or other available materials;
  • no document is required for the first conversation with a lawyer.

Do not postpone your first consultation because a document is missing. Bring what you have. A lawyer will explain which information can be obtained from registers and what else may be required.

How to receive assistance

1

Describe the situation

Call, write online or visit any legal aid bureau. Explain what happened and what result you need.

2

Confirm eligibility

A lawyer will identify the applicable legal category and explain which supporting documents are required.

3

Receive the appropriate service

You may receive advice immediately. Where secondary legal aid is required, the centre will process an application and appoint a legal aid provider.

Legal basis

Eligibility and the scope of services are governed by the Law of Ukraine “On Free Legal Aid”. The lawyer will assess the current law and the facts of your case.

View the law