News release

Innovative Pilot Project Improves Access to Justice System

Justice

People in Cape Breton will get free legal advice on family law with the launch of an innovative pilot project.

The province is using video-conferencing technology to connect summary advice lawyers in Sydney with people living in Ingonish and surrounding areas.

"Government is committed to making the justice system more accessible for all Nova Scotians," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "Not everyone can take advantage of this free service in person. A little innovation means we can make it available to people living in remote communities in Cape Breton."

The pilot is a partnership of the Department of Justice and Nova Scotia Legal Aid and aims to improve access to justice through increased collaboration and partnerships. It will begin on Sept. 15 and run through July 2012.

Summary advice lawyers are available to help people who do not have a lawyer but need legal advice on family law issues including divorce, division of assets and debt, child and spousal support and custody arrangements. These lawyers work for Nova Scotia Legal Aid and are located in Halifax, Port Hawkesbury and Sydney in the family division of the Supreme Court.

Summary advice lawyers help Nova Scotians better understand their legal rights and responsibilities by providing information about:

  • legal terms
  • how to start or respond to a court proceeding
  • the implications of agreeing or not agreeing to a court order
  • court processes
  • legal documentation
  • other aspects of family law

For more information or to use the services of a Summary advice lawyer, contact the court administration office in Sydney at 902-563-2200, or in Halifax at 902-424-3990.