User charge for family & civil cases

As of 1 January 2023, there is no longer a requirement to pay a user charge. You only need to pay a user charge if your legal aid grant was approved before 1 January 2023.

How much is the user charge and where do I pay it?

The user charge fee is $50 (including GST) or $43.48 (excluding GST) and you pay the charge directly to your lawyer.

This is the only payment that your lawyer can receive directly from you. If your lawyer tries to charge you for any other legal aid services, please report this to your local legal aid office.

Legal aid | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

What to expect from your legal aid lawyer | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

Lawyer fees

Legal aid is paid directly to your lawyer.

Your legal aid lawyer will not charge you for legal aid work completed. If your lawyer tries to charge you for any other legal aid services, tell your local legal aid office.

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