The Legal Aid Department is charged with the administration of legal aid in the Cayman Islands and is governed under the Legal Aid Act, 2015 and headed by the Director of Legal Aid.
The purpose of the Act is to provide legal aid to persons in respect of civil and criminals matters who are financially unable to secure legal fees from their own resources.
Appeal Matters
Legal Aid may be granted for persons for appeal in criminal matters, some civil matters whereby the assisted person wishes to appeal the court’s decision. The attorney named on the certificate must provide a written opinion on the merits of the proposed appeal. It may also be provided in Special Circumstances, in the interest of justice and at the discretion of the Legal Aid Director.
Criminal Matters
Legal Aid may be granted in the following instance:
- To an accused person in criminal trials where the defendant faces the possibility of imprisonment and other serious penalties.
- In the Grand Court and Summary Court (Including Youth Court) for scheduled offences in Criminal proceedings.
Civil Matters
Legal Aid may be granted for civil matters in the Grand Court for anyone wishing to issue or defend proceedings. In Summary Court where the matter relates to child residence, child contact and child access. In Family Law proceedings such as: Matrimonial cases, child contact, residency, adoption. Partied in civil proceedings including legal guardians, guardian ad litem or person who have power of attorney to act on behalf of children and person under a physical mental disability. Cases involving employment and discrimination, mental health or mental capacity issues.
To apply for legal aid in the Cayman Islands you can contact the Legal Aid department to apply. Please the Legal Aid Application and submit with supporting documentation.