Legal Aid
Advocates are under a duty to ensure that all Clients and prospective Clients are made aware of their eligibility for Legal Aid and Legal Advice and Assistance (“Green Form”).
The rules surrounding Legal Aid are not made by the Isle of Man Law Society, but see below for some quick links to point you in the right direction.
General LEGAL AID information
LEGAL AID in criminal matters
Where you have been arrested or are facing criminal charges
LEGAL AID in civil matters
Any matters that are not criminal matters, such as family proceedings relating to divorce or children, personal injury, contract, housing, debts etc.
Your Advocate will ask for your financial information to be able to help you with your Legal Aid Application and you will be required to submit evidence of your finances to your Advocate for this purpose. Even if you are granted Legal Aid, you may be required, depending on your circumstances, to make a financial contribution toward the cost of the legal services provided to you. Once you have been granted Legal Aid, you will be periodically reassessed to ensure you remain eligible. If your circumstances change, you should immediately notify your Advocate.
Legal Aid will only remain in place whilst your case meets the merits test and you are co-operating with your Advocate. If you refuse to follow advice, or do not cooperate with your Advocate, the Legal Aid office must be notified by your Advocate and your Certificate may be revoked.
Further information, including a calculator to indicate your eligibility, can be found HERE.
Transformation of Legal Aid
The Legal Aid system is currently undergoing a transformation and over the years there have been a number of consultations towards this aim. The Isle of Man Law Society sits on the Legal Aid Steering Group.
The Isle of Man Law Society have submitted responses to the various Legal Aid Consultations, which can be accessed below:
Isle of Man Law Society Legal Aid Consultation Submission November 2016 and Appendices
Isle of Man Criminal Legal Aid Consultation Submission and appendices November 2019
Isle of Man Civil Legal Aid Consultation Submission and appendices May 2020
Isle of Man Law Society Legal Aid Consultation Submission December 2025