Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Montréal

Survivors of domestic violence in Montréal face legal challenges such as obtaining protective measures, separation, custody, support, housing, and navigating both criminal and civil systems. In Québec, legal aid (aide juridique), victim services, and community clinics (clinique juridique) provide important support—though not always full representation in all matters. This guide lists key services available in Montréal, what they offer, and how to safely access them.

Key Legal Aid, Clinics & Support Services in Montréal / Québec

1. Aide juridique du Québec (Legal Aid Québec)

Role & Services:

• Québec’s legal aid system provides free or subsidized legal services to eligible low-income individuals. These include family law (divorce, custody, support), criminal defence, youth protection, certain civil claims, etc. protecteurducitoyen.qc.ca+2211qc.ca+2

• For survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, there is a special service called Rebâtir (Rebuild) — offering 4 hours of free legal advice by a legal aid lawyer, regardless of income or whether you qualify for legal aid. CityNews Montreal+4Éducaloi+4Quebec+4

• Note: A pilot program that provided specialized representation to victims of domestic and sexual violence (beyond the 4-hour advice) was ended in 2025. CityNews Montreal

Eligibility / Notes:

• Legal Aid Québec uses both a free and a contributory model, depending on income. 211qc.ca+1

• Even if you do not fully qualify, the Rebâtir service is open to all survivors of violence. Éducaloi+1

2. Y des femmes de Montréal – Legal Information Clinic

Services:

• Offers confidential 30-minute consultations with volunteer lawyers or notaries on various legal topics, including family law, separation, custody, and related issues. Y des femmes de Montréal

• This is a legal information and referral service only — it does not provide courtroom representation or draft legal documents for you. Y des femmes de Montréal

• Consultations are in person (Tue–Thu afternoons) or by phone (Mon–Fri) and are free or low cost. Y des femmes de Montréal

3. Multi-Femmes (Montréal)

Services:

• A feminist community organization offering legal services and referrals in areas including family law (separation, divorce, custody) and supporting women and mothers facing violence. multifemmes.com

• They run a legal information helpline / clinic and appointments to provide guidance, legal information, and referrals to appropriate services or lawyers. multifemmes.com

4. Montreal City Mission — Just Solutions Legal Clinic

Services:

• Focused on immigrants, refugees, newcomers, especially those experiencing violence or who are in vulnerable immigration status. MCM

• Provides legal information, assistance, and sometimes representation under conditions (for immigration, sponsorship breakdown, spousal abuse/domestic violence in immigration context) for eligible clients. MCM

• If a case is outside their mandate, they provide referrals to other legal services. MCM

5. Victim Services / Crime Victims Assistance Centres (CAVAC)

Role & Services:

• Throughout Québec, CAVAC (Centres d’assistance aux victimes d’actes criminels) offer information, accompaniment, psychosocial support, and legal procedural orientation to victims of crime (including domestic violence). Éducaloi+1

• You do not need to have pressed charges to use many CAVAC services. Éducaloi+1

6. Support / Referral & Community Services

• SOS violence conjugale (Québec): Provincial hotline and referral service for people experiencing intimate partner violence. Éducaloi+1

• Éducaloi: A legal education and public rights information organization — they publish guides and resources (in English & French) about rights around domestic violence, protection orders, housing, etc. Éducaloi+1

• Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale: Network of shelters and women’s shelters in Québec — they often partner with legal services or refer to legal aid. Éducaloi+1

• Protection des mineurs / Youth Protection (DPJ): In cases involving children, child protection authorities may be involved; legal representation may be needed. (This is within Québec’s family / youth protection law)

How to Safely Access Legal Help in Montréal

1. Use a private / incognito browser (to avoid leaving traces)

2. Call from a safe device or location, or ask for callback if using a shared phone

3. Ask whether remote intake (phone or virtual) is available — many legal aid or clinic services allow this

4. Bring or securely submit evidence: texts, emails, police reports, photos, etc.

5. Clear browsing and call history when safe

6. When meeting in person, choose a safe location, bring a trusted friend (if possible)

7. Use CAVACs to get accompaniment or guidance through legal proceedings

8. Request or access Rebâtir consult early (4 free hours) to help you understand your legal options

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I have to qualify financially to get legal help in Montréal?
Yes, for full legal aid (aide juridique), you generally must meet income and asset thresholds. protecteurducitoyen.qc.ca+1
However, the Rebâtir program provides 4 hours of free legal advice for individuals who have experienced domestic or sexual violence, regardless of income. Éducaloi+1

2. What kinds of legal help can Rebâtir give me?
You can ask Rebâtir lawyers about custody, child support, housing, police reports, harassment, separation, and legal processes tied to your violence experience. Éducaloi+1

3. Will legal aid (aide juridique) represent me in court for a domestic violence case?
If you qualify, legal aid may cover family law or criminal cases as needed. But the specialized support program for victims (that gave legal “representation” beyond advice) ended in 2025. CityNews Montreal

4. Are there community legal clinics that help in Montréal?
Yes — for example:

• Y des femmes de Montréal offers free legal information consultations. Y des femmes de Montréal

• Multi-Femmes offers legal information and referrals for women facing family law challenges. multifemmes.com

• Just Solutions Legal Clinic via Montreal City Mission supports immigrant survivors in immigration/violence contexts. MCM

5. What role do CAVACs play?
CAVACs assist crime victims with legal process support, accompaniment, information, and psychosocial support, regardless of whether you’ve filed criminal charges. Éducaloi+1

6. What should I bring to my first legal appointment?
Bring, if safe:

• Police or incident reports

• Texts, emails, or other messages showing threat or abuse

• Photos or medical records of injury

• Any existing court orders or custody documents

• Identification (ID, birth certificate)

• Documents relating to children or housing

Conclusion

In Montréal and across Québec, domestic violence survivors can access a combination of legal aid, free advice, clinics, and victim services. While full representation is limited by eligibility, programs like Rebâtir guarantee everyone experiencing violence can get legal advice. Community legal clinics and specialized organizations help fill gaps, especially for women, immigrants, and marginalized communities.