Mrs. Janine Harris-Lake
About Us
We are the St. Kitts – Nevis Legal Aid and Advice Centre: a Department within the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs. We were established by the Government of St. Kitts-Nevis for the purpose of providing low cost legal services and representation to persons of low income.
Our operations are carried out by a Director of Legal Aid assisted by other legal counsel, a research assistant and office staff.
Mission Statement
“To Advise, Assist and Represent the Indigent”
Legal Advice & Representation
Offer affordable legal counsel and court representation for civil matters to those who qualify for assistance.
Family Law Services
Handle matters such as custody, maintenance, adoption, divorce, and access rights with care and confidentiality.
Property & Succession Matters
Assist with wills, succession, landlord-tenant disputes, and hire purchase issues.
Community Outreach & Legal Clinics
Conduct mobile legal aid clinics in rural areas to increase access to legal services for underserved communities.
What We Do
We perform legal services on behalf of persons who are unable to afford the cost of professional legal services. The matters handled by the Legal Aid and Advice Centre include:
- Juvenile Matters
- Maintenance
- Custody
- Access
- Adoption
- Divorce
- Landlord and Tenant Matters
- Wills
- Succession
- Letters
- Person Injury
- Hire Purchase litigation
- Affidavits
- Debt
Get In Touch
Office Phone
(869) 467-1572 / 466-5697
Email Us
legalaid@gov.kn
Opening Hours
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Mon - Fri)
Address
Justice & Legal Complex (upstairs formerly C&C Supermarket) George Street, Basseterre, St. Kitts
Forms
- Application Form
Who We Serve
We are eager to serve all persons who do not have the money to afford an attorney in private practice. However, we have been particularly helpful to women, the elderly and youths who need legal advice and representation in court.
It is important to note that we do not handle criminal matters on behalf of adults.
How You May Interact With Us
You may simply come in to our offices at West Square Street in Basseterre and start the process of consultation. You may also call us at telephone number 869 467 1572 or 869 466 5697. We will discuss your matter with you and proceed as necessary.
In order to determine if you qualify for legal aid, you will need to complete a special form providing specific information that would enable us to assess your status. Please bring proof of your income, savings, earnings and expenses. Your application will be processed to determine whether or not you qualify for legal aid.
An adult person must fill out the form on behalf of a juvenile. This adult may be a parent or guardian.
We will undertake the necessary legal work to deal with your matter in the same way that a lawyer in a private firm would do.
We occasionally conduct assistance ‘clinics’ in communities outside of Basseterre in order that persons in rural and other communities may discuss their matters with us at such times.
Is there a fee?
A reasonable fee is charged for the service provided. You can make arrangements to pay by installments.
If it turns out that you are completely unable to pay you will be granted a waiver of the fees charged.
Who We Mostly Interact With
A variety of persons interact with us:
- Single women
- Juveniles
- The Elderly