Finding legal help you can afford

Legal problems often arrive at the worst time: after an arrest, during a break-up, when you lose your job or when you need protection from someone. Many men assume a lawyer is out of reach and try to manage alone. But there are free and low-cost options in South Africa, and some steps don't need a lawyer at all.

This guide explains where to start and how to prepare so you get the most out of any help you find.

Things you can do without a lawyer

Several legal processes were designed so that ordinary people can use them on their own. Court staff and state officials can explain the steps.

• Protection orders. You can apply at the Magistrate's Court. The clerk will help you with the forms. Read Applying for a protection order.
• Maintenance. You can apply for maintenance, or ask to change an existing order, at the Maintenance Court. Read Maintenance: what you need to know.
• Parenting disputes. The Office of the Family Advocate helps parents agree on care and contact arrangements, with the child's best interests at heart. Read Parenting plans and the Family Advocate.
• Unfair dismissal. You can refer a dispute to the CCMA yourself. Read Unfair dismissal and the CCMA.
• Reporting a crime. If you are the victim, the state prosecutes the case. You don't need your own lawyer to open a case or to testify. Read Opening a case at a police station.

Even when you don't need a lawyer, getting advice first can help you avoid mistakes.

Legal Aid South Africa

Legal Aid South Africa gives free legal advice and, for people who qualify, free legal representation. It mainly helps in criminal cases, and also takes on some civil matters, depending on the case.

• If you have been arrested or charged, you have a right under section 35 of the Constitution to a lawyer paid for by the state if you would otherwise suffer a substantial injustice. Ask for Legal Aid at court. Legal Aid has offices at or near many courts.
• To qualify for representation, you usually have to pass a means test, which looks at your income and what you own. Take proof of income with you.
• For advice, you can call the Legal Aid South Africa Advice Line on 0800 110 110, whether or not you qualify for representation.

Legal Aid can't take on every case. If they can't help, ask them where else you could go.

University law clinics

Many universities run law clinics. Law students, supervised by qualified attorneys, give free legal advice and sometimes take on cases for people who can't afford a lawyer. They often help with family matters, work problems, housing and other civil cases.

Law clinics are usually found in bigger towns and cities. Contact the law faculty of the university nearest to you and ask whether it has a clinic and what kinds of cases it handles. They may have waiting lists, so contact them early.

Private attorneys

If you can afford some legal fees, a private attorney may be the right choice, especially for complicated cases. Protect yourself by agreeing on money up front.

1. Ask about fees before you start. Ask how they charge, what a first consultation costs and what the whole matter might cost.
2. Get it in writing. Ask for a written fee agreement or estimate that explains what is included.
3. Ask for updates on costs. Ask to be told before costs go above what you agreed.
4. Keep every receipt. Pay through traceable methods where possible.
5. Ask about free work. Some attorneys take on a limited number of cases without charge, often called pro bono work. It never hurts to ask.

Be careful of anyone who is not a qualified attorney but offers to "fix" your case for cash, or who promises to make charges disappear. No honest lawyer can promise a result.

Getting ready for a legal consultation

Free and low-cost services are busy, so arrive prepared. Bring:

• your ID;
• any case number, court papers, protection order, summons or letter you have received;
• a short written timeline of what happened, with dates;
• copies of evidence such as messages, photos or contracts;
• names and contact details of people involved, including witnesses;
• proof of income, such as payslips or bank statements, if you are asking for free help or dealing with maintenance;
• a list of the questions you want answered.

Write down the advice you are given, and ask what your next step should be and by when. Court deadlines matter, so don't put things off.

Getting support

Legal stress can affect your sleep, your work and your relationships. It's okay to ask for help with that too.

• Legal Aid South Africa Advice Line: 0800 110 110.
• Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322, 24 hours a day.
• SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567, 24 hours a day.
• GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428, for all genders, 24 hours a day.
• In an emergency: SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a cell phone.

Men for Change does not provide legal representation, but you can contact our support team at /contact?topic=support. If you have been through crime or abuse, you can report it anonymously at /report. More helplines are listed at /resources.