What you need to know
Families of fallen Defenders and close relatives of persons missing under special circumstances may receive legal aid concerning status, payments, legal facts and protection of family rights.
Families of fallen Defenders are entitled to the services provided by law. For families of missing persons, secondary legal aid covers matters directly connected with protecting their rights and the rights of the missing person.
Legal services available
Legal advice
A lawyer explains your rights, available procedures, deadlines and the evidence that may be useful.
Procedural documents
Assistance drafting applications, complaints, claims, appeals and other court documents.
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
Status and benefits
Obtaining family status, certificates, benefits and appealing refusals.
Payments and pensions
Lump-sum assistance, survivor pensions and other statutory payments.
Establishing legal facts
Death, family relationship, dependency, paternity or living as one family.
Missing persons
Communication with authorities and protection of property, social and family rights.
What to bring, if available
- identity documents and proof of family relationship, if available;
- status certificates, military unit notices or official extracts;
- decisions refusing status or payment;
- property, inheritance, pension and correspondence records.
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
Describe the situation
Call, write online or visit any legal aid bureau. Explain what happened and what result you need.
Confirm eligibility
A lawyer will identify the applicable legal category and explain which supporting documents are required.
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.
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.