Legal Duty Counsel Service (LDCS)

MISSION AND SERVICES

The Legal Duty Counsel Service (LDCS) is designed primarily to assist litigants who are representing themselves in family matters, ultimately to improve access to justice and how it is administered. The ad hoc assistance offered to these individuals in a consultation is not intended to eliminate the need to be represented by a lawyer, but rather to provide them with basic legal information.

The LDCS lawyer on duty offers a 30-minute information session to individuals representing themselves in family law cases that are in court that day. These consultations, offered only on the Court’s referral, take place from Tuesday to Thursday between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. (noon).

STATISTICS AND PARTNERS

Since the LDCS was created in April 2010, the volunteer lawyers of the Bar of Montreal have offered litigants over 1,850 consultations in LDCS rooms. Most of the consultations come from Room 2.17, and the most frequently addressed issues concern interim orders, forms, documents supporting the determination of child support and payments.

To offer quality assistance on a daily basis, the LDCS relies on the invaluable involvement of dedicated volunteers, special court clerks and partners (Justice Pro Bono, the Association des avocats et avocates en droit familial du Québec and the Direction des services judiciaires de la Métropole). The collaboration of the Direction des services judiciaires is not only appreciated, but also essential to the success of this service.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER?

Any lawyer who is a member in good standing of the Barreau du Québec, who has valid professional liability insurance, and who is interested in family law may become an LDCS volunteer.

For more information on the LDCS or to register as a volunteer lawyer, please contact the coordinator of the LDCS, by telephone (514 866-9392, ext. 221) or by e-mail (sage@barreaudemontreal.qc.ca).

 

 

INTÉRESSÉ(E) À DEVENIR BÉNÉVOLE?

Formulaire d’intérêt à participer aux activités du Barreau de Montréal
(In French Only)