Legal Aid (Oikeusapu) in Finland | Eligibility Calculator & Application Support | Legally.fi
Legal Aid (Oikeusapu)

Legal Aid Eligibility and Application Support in Finland

Professional guidance through the Finnish legal aid system. Understand eligibility criteria, calculate your deductible (omavastuu), and get help preparing your application for a decision by the Finnish state legal aid offices (oikeusaputoimistot).

  • Eligibility assessment aligned with Finnish state legal aid rules
  • Estimator uses the same inputs as the official preliminary calculator, including asset threshold used in this estimator (€6,600)
  • Document preparation and application review
  • Support for appeals and clarification requests
  • Guidance on deductibles and statutory legal aid fees

Understanding Legal Aid (Oikeusapu) in Finland

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is assessed by the Finnish state legal aid offices (oikeusaputoimistot). In general, the assessment considers:

  • Disposable income (income minus accepted expenses and statutory allowances)
  • Assets and how they are treated under the rules
  • Household composition (single, couple, with children)
  • Case type (civil, criminal, administrative, family law)
  • Legal expenses insurance (if applicable)

Legal Aid Cost Structure

Cost ElementAmountDescription
Basic Deductible (Omavastuu)0 to 100% of costsBased on disposable income
Supplementary Deductible (Lisäomavastuu)Depends on assetsApplied if asset rules trigger an additional deductible
Legal Aid Fee (Oikeusapumaksu)€75 (in this estimator)Fee shown by this estimator. The official fee depends on the official decision

Asset Assessment

Asset treatment can depend on the official rules and the individual situation. Some items may be excluded or treated differently (for example, primary residence and an essential vehicle in certain circumstances). Always verify against the official calculator and the decision by the state legal aid office.

Official preliminary calculator: asiointi.oikeus.fi/oikeusapu/#/alustava-laskelma

Legal Aid Application Process

Step by Step

  1. Preliminary check: Optional. You can use the official preliminary calculator at asiointi.oikeus.fi
  2. Application submission: The application can be submitted by the client or by the client's lawyer
  3. Documents: Provide the information and documents requested for the assessment
  4. Assessment: The state legal aid office reviews the application
  5. Decision: The state legal aid office issues the decision, including deductible terms
  6. Representation: If legal aid is granted, the client may use a public legal aid lawyer or an approved private lawyer who accepts legal aid

Typical Documents

Documents requested depend on the case and the applicant's situation. Common examples include:

  • Income information
  • Bank statements
  • Tax decision (verotuspäätös)
  • Asset information
  • Essential expenses (rent, loans, child support, if applicable)
  • Case specific documents
  • Insurance information (if applicable)

Get Legal Aid Help

Complete this form for professional legal aid assistance.

Phone/WhatsApp: +358 44 979 3978

Office hours: Mon to Fri 09:00 to 17:00 (EET)

Official Information: All legal aid decisions are made by the Finnish state legal aid offices (oikeusaputoimistot). We provide estimation and application support services.

Official preliminary legal aid calculator (Finnish) →

Frequently Asked Questions

This estimator uses an asset threshold of €6,600 and applies an additional calculation above that threshold. Verify your situation using the official preliminary calculator and the official decision.

This estimator displays a legal aid fee of €75 unless it estimates full coverage. The official fee depends on the official decision by the state legal aid office.

The assessment is based on the applicant's current financial situation and the documents requested by the state legal aid office. The requested period can vary depending on the case and the applicant's circumstances.

You can request a specific lawyer, including a private lawyer, if the lawyer accepts legal aid assignments and the arrangement is accepted under the legal aid decision terms.

Processing times vary. Urgent matters may be handled faster, and some applications may require additional information. Check the official instructions and respond to any requests from the state legal aid office promptly.

The decision includes instructions on how to seek review or appeal, including deadlines and the competent authority. We can help prepare a response based on the official decision and its instructions.

Legal Aid Eligibility Estimator

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Household
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Income
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Expenses
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Assets
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Result
← Swipe to see all steps →

Household Information

Note: Household composition affects the allowance used in this estimator.

Monthly Income

Enter gross monthly income before taxes. Use a realistic average for your current situation.

Wages and pensions
Benefits and allowances
Capital income
Business income

Monthly Expenses

Housing costs
Childcare
Support payments
Debt payments

Note: Only relevant and documented expenses may be considered in an official assessment.

Assets

Note: This estimator uses an asset threshold of €6,600. Official asset treatment depends on the official rules and your situation.

Legal Aid Eligibility Assessment

Eligible
65% Deductible
Estimate only, based on the inputs you provided
Monthly disposable income €850
Basic deductible (omavastuu) 65%
Supplementary deductible €0
Legal aid fee (shown by this estimator) €75

Important: This is an estimation tool only. Eligibility and legal aid decisions are made exclusively by the Finnish state legal aid offices (oikeusaputoimistot).