Chapter 2 of 6 · Cost and help · Legal aid estimator

Can I get legal aid for my divorce or separation?

Rules verified2026-10-07

The Legal Aid Board's means test: disposable income under €18,000 a year and disposable capital under €100,000, with the family home left out. About half of the people who come to this site will qualify, and if you do, the Board is the route to take first.

Your means, per year

Income and outgoings

The Board looks at disposable income: everything you receive in a year, less tax and a set of allowances. Only your own figures count unless your spouse's income is treated as yours.

Gross annual incomeWages, self-employment, social welfare, maintenance received, rent, pensions.Income tax, PRSI and USC paidFrom your end-of-year statement or payslips.Rent or mortgage, per yearAllowed up to €8,000.Childcare paid so you can work, per yearAllowed up to €6,000 per child.Dependants living with youChildren and other dependants; €1,600 allowed for each.A new partner lives with meA spouse or partner allowance of €3,500 applies; the Board may also count their income.

Capital

Savings and property other than the family home

Disposable capitalSavings, investments, a second property, a car above a modest value, money owed to you. The home you live in is not counted.

This is an estimate of the means test only. The Board also applies a merits test, decides what counts as income and capital in your case, and sets the contribution. Legal aid is free, with no contribution, for domestic violence orders.

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