Statutory legal aid

Online applications will make the application process easier for you. Before you go on, it is a good idea to find out what information is gathered and how they are used.

In certain cases, it is not necessary to make a specific application. This is the case, for example, in:

• Paternity cases. When a child initiates a paternity case.

• Challenge cases. When a child brings legal action to challenge his or her paternity.

• Jurisdiction cases. In cases on account of the deprivation of the legal competence of an individual.

In other cases, legal aid must be applied for. This applies, for example:

• In cases where an individual requests compensation for an arrest, personal search or of ones home, seizure of property, investigation of a person's health, custody, or other actions resulting in deprivation of liberty.

• Cases under the Child Protection Act. Examples of matters covered by the Child Protection Act include the foster care of the child, placement of the child, and deprivation of custody.

Application

A written application for legal aid must be sent to the Ministry of Justice at least three weeks before the main proceedings.

The processing time for applications is generally 1-2 months.

The following must be stated in the application:

• The full name, ID number (kennitala), status, and home address of the applicant and the counterparty.

• The court in which the case is being administered and the lawyer on behalf of the applicant.

• The main facts, grounds of action, and legal arguments.

• On what ground legal aid is applied.

Attachment data

The application must include:

• Main dossiers

• other data that may be of significance for the processing of the application.