Free legal assistance by telephone and e-mail on a permanent basis. Changes from January

From January 1, 2026, persons entitled to free legal assistance will be able to benefit from permanent access to such support provided remotely – by telephone, e-mail or video call. The changes will make it easier for citizens to access this assistance, emphasizes the Ministry of Justice.

The possibility of using free advice remotely was introduced in 2020 in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic, but the regulations stipulated that advice could only be obtained remotely during an epidemic, an epidemic emergency or a state of emergency.

Remote access to help is now permanent

Adopted by the Sejm in July last year. the amendment to the regulations, which entered into force on Thursday, introduces, among other things, constant access to advice by phone, e-mail or video call, without limitation to emergency situations. The form of using legal assistance – stationary or remote – will be selected when registering.

The obligation to submit written declarations on the inability to bear the costs of paid legal assistance has also been limited – in the case of using assistance remotely, such a declaration may be submitted orally. Advice provided on-site will, as currently, require a written declaration.

“The new regulations significantly facilitate access to free legal aid, increasing its flexibility through year-round remote advice and better facilities for people with disabilities. Citizens will benefit from simplified procedures,” said Deputy Minister of Justice Sławomir Pałka, quoted in the MS release.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the new solution will not only facilitate citizens' access to legal aid, but will also enable more effective use of shifts at free assistance points.

Amended regulations they also introduce new solutions for people with significant mobility disabilities and communication difficulties – they will be able to count on help not only at the point of providing free advice, but also at the place of residence, in a place with devices supporting communication or in another “adapted place”, as well as with the help of a sign language interpreter.

“Prior to such a visit, remote contact is possible, during which the lawyer or advisor will collect the required declaration. Help points will provide headphones with a microphone and clear information about remote options and procedures for people in difficult situations, including how to report a visit outside the point,” the Ministry of Justice noted.

Deputy Minister of Justice Arkadiusz Myrcha emphasized during the parliamentary work on the amendment that “opening the system to online advice is a response to the huge demand.” Moreover, he noted that the state has the opportunity to provide 1.5 million free consultations annually, and between 400,000 and 500,000 are provided.

Pursuant to the Act, they concern free legal aid and are available to a person who is unable to bear the costs of such paid assistance.

The system has been operating for 10 years

The free legal aid system has been operating since January 2016. From the beginning of 2019, free legal aid can be used by any natural person who declares that he or she is unable to cover the costs of legal aid, including those who run a sole proprietorship and have not employed other people in the last year.

Before 2019, only people were entitled to such assistance, including: were granted social assistance benefits, had a Large Family Card, were under 26 years of age or were over 65 years of age. The regulations have also been supplemented since 2019, including: for free civic counseling.

Currently, the system includes legal assistance, civic counseling and mediation available in approximately 1.5 thousand locations. points in all poviats, regardless of place of residence. Support is provided by lawyers – attorneys-at-law and legal advisors – and non-governmental organizations.

In order to use stationary advice, you must make an appointment at a point of assistance: by phone – using a special district registration number; electronically – by writing to the e-mail address provided by the poviat or by signing up using the form available on the website dzienniky-np.ms.gov.pl, as well as in person – by appearing at the poviat office. (PAP)

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