Free Legal Help for Grandparents in Nova Scotia
Private family-law representation can be costly. If you're a grandparent on a pension who needs legal guidance about custody, parenting orders, or benefit disputes, Nova Scotia has several free and low-cost options — each one does something different.
Summary Advice Counsel
Summary Advice Counsel provides free, short appointments by arrangement through local family courthouses. The lawyers offer basic family-law guidance but do not represent you in court. Ask the courthouse what appointment availability and help with your filing are available.
Available through family courthouses in Halifax, Sydney, Truro, Kentville, Bridgewater, and Yarmouth. Call the courthouse to ask about an appointment. These lawyers provide advice but do not represent you in court.
FLIP Centres (Family Law Information Program)
Located at the Halifax Supreme Court (Family Division) and the Sydney Supreme Court (Family Division), FLIP centres offer:
- Written guides explaining family law procedures in plain language
- Computer access for researching forms and processes
- Staff who can help you navigate court forms and understand what each section asks for
FLIP centres are an information service, not a legal advice service. They offer written guides, computer access, and form guidance.
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS)
LISNS runs two services relevant to kinship caregivers:
Legal information helpline: Free phone service that helps you understand your legal situation and points you to the right resources. They explain the law but don't give case-specific legal advice.
Lawyer Referral Service: For $20 plus tax, LISNS connects you with a private family lawyer for a 30-minute consultation. This is the closest thing to affordable personal legal advice in the province. Use it strategically — come prepared with specific questions about your situation rather than asking for a general overview.
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Nova Scotia Legal Aid
Nova Scotia Legal Aid provides representation in child-protection proceedings and family-court parenting applications for financially eligible, low-income caregivers. Apply through a local office; eligibility is assessed.
Making the Most of Free Services
Free legal appointments are short. Prepare before you go:
- Write down the key facts: when the child moved in, the parents' situation, what care you're providing
- List your specific questions (three to five focused questions work better than a general "what should I do?")
- Bring copies of any documents you have — parental consent letters, school enrollment, CRA correspondence
The Nova Scotia kinship financial help guide includes appointment preparation checklists for court intake, Legal Aid, and Summary Advice sessions — organized so you walk in with the right documents and the right questions.
Get Your Free Nova Scotia Kinship Money Checklist
Download the Nova Scotia Kinship Money Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.