Losing a spouse or family member is one of life’s most challenging experiences, and navigating the legalities that follow can be overwhelming. Fortunately, legal aid and support services are available across Canada to help widows and widowers with family estate matters, wills, and more. Below are resources by province, including organizations that offer free or low-cost legal advice.
Ontario
- Legal Aid Ontario: Free legal assistance for low-income individuals in family, criminal, and refugee law. More Info
- Community Legal Aid Services Programme (CLASP): Law students at Osgoode Hall Law School provide legal services under supervision. More Info
- Barbara Schilfer Commemorative Clinic: Legal aid for women survivors of domestic violence. More Info
British Columbia
- Legal Services Society: Provides legal aid for family, criminal, and immigration law. More Info
- Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS): Specializes in human rights, housing, and workers’ rights. More Info
- The Law Centre (Victoria): Legal assistance for those unable to afford a lawyer. More Info
Alberta
- Legal Aid Alberta: Affordable legal services in family law, domestic violence, immigration, and criminal defense. More Info
- Calgary Legal Guidance: Legal advice for low-income individuals who do not qualify for Legal Aid. More Info
Manitoba
- Legal Aid Manitoba: Provides legal help for low-income individuals in family, criminal, and immigration law. More Info
- Public Interest Law Centre: Helps with civil matters related to human rights and environmental law. More Info
Saskatchewan
- Legal Aid Saskatchewan: Offers legal services in family and criminal law for low-income individuals. More Info
- Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan: Provides pro bono legal services for those in need. More Info
Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia Legal Aid: Free legal services in family, criminal, and social justice law for low-income individuals. More Info
- Dalhousie Legal Aid: Run by law students, offering legal services to low-income individuals. More Info
New Brunswick
- New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission: Provides legal representation in family, criminal, and other areas of law. More Info
- Pro Bono New Brunswick: Volunteer lawyers offer free legal services. More Info
Prince Edward Island
- Prince Edward Island Legal Aid: Legal aid for family and criminal law matters for low-income residents. More Info
- Community Legal Information Association of PEI: Provides legal information and advice. More Info
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission: Provides legal help in family, criminal, and some civil cases. More Info
- Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PLIAN): Provides legal information and support. More Info
Quebec
- Commission des services juridiques: Offers legal aid services in family, criminal, and civil law. More Info
- Éducaloi: Provides legal information on a wide range of topics, including wills and estate planning. More Info
Yukon
- Legal Aid Yukon: Offers legal services in family and criminal law for low-income residents. More Info
- Yukon Public Legal Education Association: Provides free legal information and referrals. More Info
Northwest Territories
- Legal Aid Commission of the Northwest Territories: Provides legal services in family, criminal, and civil law for low-income individuals. More Info
- Public Legal Education and Information (PLEI): Provides legal information and education to residents. More Info
Nunavut
- Legal Services Board of Nunavut: Offers legal aid services in family, criminal, and civil law. More Info
- Law Society of Nunavut: Provides legal resources and a lawyer referral service. More Info
National Resources
- Lawyer Referral Services: Most provinces offer lawyer referral services, where you can get a free consultation to determine your legal needs.
- Pro Bono Canada: Offers free legal services across Canada for those unable to afford legal assistance. More Info
These resources can provide essential legal support, whether you are handling estate matters, navigating family law, or seeking help with probate. Reach out to these organizations to get the legal guidance you need during this difficult time.
