The Italian Legal Aid System
In Italy a person with very little money can have legal representation and advice paid for by the Italian State. It is called Patrocinio a Spese dello Stato in Italian language.
Foreign nationals and stateless persons lawfully resident in Italy, as well as non-profit organizations or associations, are accorded the same rights as Italian citizens.
The Italian legal aid system provides:
- exemption from the Court costs;
- the assistance of a lawyer who will provide pre-litigation advice and will represent you in Court.
Legal aid is dependent on your financial position and the strength of your case. So, you will be asked a series of questions about your legal problems and financial situation.
What are the financial conditions for getting civil legal aid?
Your income and capital must be within certain limits to get civil legal aid (a taxable income less than euro 11.530,00 according to the latest income tax return).
More information and application form here:
https://www.giustizia.it/giustizia/it/mg_3_7_2.page?tab=d
You can find out if you are eligible by using the following link:
https://www.ordineavvocatiroma.it/patrocinio-a-spese-dello-stato/
Proof you will need to provide
Have the following with you when you are checking if you are eligible for legal aid:
- your latest income tax return;
- documentation relating to your legal problem.