WAIHI LAW

If you can't afford a lawyer, you can apply for legal aid for Family Court proceedings and family disputes. 

To decide whether you can afford a lawyer, Legal Aid Services will consider:

• how much you earn before tax

• the value of your assets, such as house and car

• how many financially dependent children you have

• If you have a partner living with you, their finances will also be considered

See more on the New Zealand Government Website 

Legal Aid is available to all clients who meet Legal Services financial thresholds.

Current Thresholds (as from 1 July 2025) (maximum income) are;

A)   $28,984 per year for a single applicant with no dependent children

B)   $45,900 per year for an applicant with –

-       a spouse or partner; or

-       1 dependent child

C)   $66,005 per year for an applicant with –

-       a spouse or partner and 1 dependent child; or

-       2 dependent children

D)   $75,006 per year for an applicant with –

-       a spouse or partner and 2 dependent children; or

-       3 dependent children

E)   $83,816 per year for an applicant with –

-       a spouse or partner and 3 dependent children; or

-       4 dependent children

F)   $93,696 per year for an applicant with –

-       a spouse or partner; or

-       5 dependent children

G)   More than 5 dependent children add $8192 for each additional child