In what type of cases can you receive legal aid?

As a rule, legal aid can be provided in all civil cases that are processed according to the regulations set out in the Administration of Justice Act.

Note, however, that as a rule legal aid is not provided if the case is covered by legal expenses insurance or if the applicant does not meet the financial requirements.

As a rule, legal aid will be denied if there are other closely related alternatives to litigation, e.g. utilisation of an administrative complaint procedure, which ought to be pursued prior to litigation.

Legal aid can only in exceptional circumstances be provided in cases that stem from the applicant’s business operations. However, it is possible to grant legal aid to people running smaller businesses who meet the financial requirements, particularly if the case deals with matters that are of importance for the business’ survival and the applicant is deemed to need support in the form of legal aid. If the claim is deemed unusual for the business’ normal operation, this is also taken into consideration when evaluating such cases.

Likewise, legal aid is only granted in exceptional cases to the plaintiff in defamation cases, except in cases of severe defamation disseminated through mass media or to a wide audience.

Note that applications for legal aid in separation, divorce and probate cases is administered by the Faroese court. Such applications are to be sent directly to the court.