Pro Bono ('Pro Deo')

For individuals who do not have sufficient means to pay for a lawyer, there is the possibility of receiving free legal assistance. This is better known as 'pro bono' (or 'pro deo' in Dutch).

If you meet the conditions, Stéphane Heusequin can assist you 'for free.'

To be eligible for pro bono assistance, you must first submit an application and provide certain documents. You can read how to do this below.

Who can get Pro Bono?

1/ Minors

Minors always have the right to free legal assistance.

2/ Certain categories of peoples

For certain categories of people, it is automatically 'presumed' that they do not have sufficient income to pay for a lawyer. These individuals generally have the right to free legal assistance. This primarily includes:

People receiving a social welfare allowance from the OCMW;
Tenants of social housing;
Individuals applying for debt mediation (collective debt settlement);
Asylum seekers or people without residence rights.
Inmates.

3/ People with insufficient income

Individuals who do not fall into one of the above categories must prove that they do not have enough income to afford a lawyer.

Consideration is not only given to your own income but also to the income of all adult individuals living at the same address. The income of a (former) partner you wish to divorce is not considered.

Currently, the following income thresholds apply:

As a single person, your net income should not exceed 1,884 euros/month.
If you live together, the total net household income is considered. The maximum household income is calculated as follows: 2,184 euros + 348.26 euros per person you live with (children or partners, regardless of whether they have income or not).

How to apply?

If you believe you are eligible for pro bono assistance, follow these steps:

Fill out the application form (don't forget to sign it).
Send the completed form by email or post, along with a brief explanation of your issue ("why do you need a lawyer?"), clarify your income and whether you are single or cohabiting.
You will receive an email with information about the documents required to complete your application.
Send the requested documents via email or post.

What happens next?

Once all the documents are complete, your application will be submitted to the 'Pro Deo Office'. The Pro Deo Office will decide if you meet the requirements.

If your application is approved, Stéphane Heusequin will notify you and invite you for a consultation.

In some cases, legal assistance will be 'partially' free. This means you will be required to pay a one-time contribution to the hourly rate, ranging from a minimum of 25 euros to a maximum of 125 euros.

Note: Eligibility for pro bono assistance is always granted 'per case' (not 'per person').

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