Most of the cases Adalat law firm handles are cases where free legal aid is granted. This means that the government covers your legal costs. In criminal cases, you also normally have a clear right to a lawyer without any expenses. We will always check for you whether you are entitled to have your legal costs covered through free legal aid before we take on your case. You can read more about the scheme further down this page or contact us to receive more information about whether your case qualifies for free legal aid.
If your case does not qualify for free legal aid, we will assess the price of the assignment concretely. The price will vary depending on the type of case, complexity, and scope. In some cases, we also offer a fixed price instead of an hourly rate. The hourly rate or fixed price is always agreed upon before any work begins, and we will always provide you with a written engagement letter with the detailed terms for the assignment.
In most of the cases we handle, free legal aid can be granted, meaning that the government covers your legal costs. Whether you are entitled to free legal aid in your case depends on the type of case and, in some cases, your annual income and assets. If you are married or have a cohabiting partner, your combined household income determines whether you are eligible for free legal aid. In some types of cases, you may qualify regardless of your income.
There is a distinction between two types of free legal aid: so-called free legal advice and free legal representation. Free legal advice means you get help with guidance and submitting complaints in the case for up to a certain number of hours. Free legal representation means you are entitled to have a lawyer represent your case in court or before certain bodies that resemble courts, such as the County Governor or Supervisory Commissions.
Complaints against UDI or UNE regarding residence, family immigration, or asylum
Cases where the state applies for forced psychiatric treatment or observation
Certain types of child welfare cases (e.g. emergency care, removal, supervision)
Termination of parental rights or child custody
In cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, or where the victim is in a shelter
If the child has been forcibly removed or if there is a serious health issue or value at stake
If you are involuntarily admitted or under forced psychiatric care
If the child welfare services (barnevernet) seek to urgently place your child, take over custody, or proceed with adoption.
If you are subject to involuntary psychiatric care and wish to challenge the legality of your admission through the entire court system.
If you want to file a claim for compensation against the perpetrator after being subjected to violence.
In criminal cases where the police suspect you of having committed a criminal offense. This is referred to as being appointed a public defense attorney and is handled under «Defense Attorney in Criminal Cases» below.
You may also be entitled to a free victim’s counsel in a criminal case if you are the victim. This is covered under «Victim’s Counsel in Criminal Cases» below.
Note: You are also entitled to free legal advice in all the situations mentioned here.
As mentioned, free legal advice and legal representation can also be granted in certain other cases depending on your income and assets. If you are single and earn less than NOK 350,000 per year before tax, and your assets are below NOK 150,000, you are entitled to free legal aid in these cases as well. If you are married or have a cohabitant, the combined income threshold is NOK 540,000 before tax, with a maximum asset limit of NOK 150,000.
When legal aid depends on your income, you must pay a deductible to receive assistance. For free legal advice, in 2024 the deductible is NOK 1,265 (1 x the public rate for legal aid). For legal representation, the recipient must pay a maximum of 25% of the expenses, with a cap of NOK 10,120 in 2022 (8 x the public rate). The public rate increases annually, so the amounts will adjust accordingly. If your income is below NOK 100,000 per year, you do not have to pay any deductible.
Complaints about decisions from NAV under the National Insurance Act, including work assessment allowance, unemployment benefits, sickness benefits, disability benefits, and other social security benefits related to family and pensions.
Applications for or complaints about decisions on compensation for victims of crime.
If you are a surviving dependent or have suffered a personal injury and want to file a claim for compensation.
In cases of unlawful dismissal or termination by your employer.
If you are being evicted from your rented home.
Family law cases related to child custody, visitation rights, or parental responsibility after a breakup.
Cases involving division of property after divorce.
In child custody, visitation, or parental responsibility cases.
In cases involving dismissal or termination under the Working Environment Act.
In eviction cases.
In personal injury or loss of provider compensation cases.
We will always check whether you are entitled to have legal expenses covered through public legal aid or via your insurance. You may also apply for free legal aid in other special cases not listed here, such as human rights violations. If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies, we still encourage you to contact us for a discussion.
If you are suspected, charged, or indicted in a criminal case, you are generally entitled to a publicly funded defense attorney at every stage of the case. The defense attorney’s job is to protect your rights throughout the entire criminal process.
The main rule is that you are entitled to a defense attorney from the moment you are formally charged. You are considered charged if the police use coercive measures against you or explicitly refer to you as charged. You are also usually entitled to a defense attorney when your case goes to court.
In many cases, you are also entitled to a defense attorney when you are only suspected of a crime. You are a suspect if the police are investigating you for potentially committing a criminal offense.
There are exceptions to these rules, so we recommend that you contact us if you have had any unwanted interaction with the police. The first consultation is always free.
If you are the victim of a criminal offense, you are generally entitled to a victim’s counsel (bistandsadvokat) if your case involves:
Rape, attempted rape, incest, or other sexual abuse
Domestic violence (partner or family violence)
Human trafficking
Female genital mutilation
Forced marriage
Violation of restraining or contact orders
Severe physical or psychological harm
Death
You may also be entitled to a victim’s counsel in other cases. This depends on the nature and seriousness of the case. Our attorneys can help you convince the court of the need for legal assistance.
In many situations, the right to a victim’s counsel depends on you reporting the crime to the police. If you are unsure about whether to file a report or are afraid of the consequences, we still encourage you to contact us to discuss your options.
If you have insurance or are a member of a trade union, it is worth checking the terms of your policy or membership agreement to see if it covers legal costs in part or in full. At Adalat, we will always look into this for you when applicable.
