As a child, can you hire a lawyer?
Yes, and it is always free. A lawyer answers your questions or makes your voice heard in a court of law. In fact, you always have the right as a child to get a clear explanation of how everything works that was decided in court.
For example, if your parents are divorcing, a lawyer can tell you your views to the judge and explain to you in simple words why a judge has decided that you should live with one of your parents if your parents are divorcing. Or your lawyer can tell your views on this to the judge.
If you have done something wrong and have to appear in court, a lawyer will defend you there. For example, if you have stolen something, broken something or caused an accident, a lawyer will defend you and clearly explain you and the judge's final decision.
Even if you are a victim yourself, a lawyer will help you by defending your rights.
Can the police just interrogate me as a child?
No, you may not. You are entitled to a free lawyer during a police interrogation.
As a child, how can I find a lawyer?
You can ask to get a lawyer from the "Legal Aid Office."
Or you can contact a lawyer directly yourself. You can find a lawyer on this website. At the bottom of the search bar or at the top via the "find a lawyer" button, you can find a lawyer based on several elements:
- Location: if you enter the city where you live there, you will find a lawyer near you.
- Theme: if you enter the reason why you want a lawyer (such as "divorce" or "children's rights"), you will find a lawyer who claims to be at home in this field.
- Certificates: if you click "special training in juvenile law" here, you will find a lawyer who has received specific training in defending children. But all other lawyers can also help you.
For example: if you are looking for a lawyer because the Leuven police want to interrogate you because you stole something in a shop, enter 'Leuven' under 'location' and 'interrogation' or 'theft' under 'theme'. If you want your lawyer to have passed the special training to defend you as a child, click 'special training in juvenile law' under certificates.
If you want to ask a lawyer a short and/or simple question, as a child you can also always visit the 'Free Lawyer Advice'. This is a hard word to say that lawyers have consultation hours that you can visit in your area. On this page, you will find available consultation hours of lawyers in your area.
Will a lawyer inform my parents of our conversation?
No, a lawyer is not allowed to pass on what you discussed. Only if you want, your lawyer can properly tell your situation to your parents, the judge or whoever you want.
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