LISNS FAQsWhat is LISNS?
LISNS is the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia. We are a not-for-profit charitable organization that has been operating for over 25 years. Our mission is to enable Nova Scotians to: - have access to legal information
- solve legal problems with informed choices
- act on their rights and responsibilities
Our vision is that citizens of Nova Scotia understand and are able to act on their rights and responsibilities in accordance with the law. Is LISNS the same as legal Aid?
No. LISNS can help you get started by answering questions about the law. But we do not give legal advice and we cannot go to court to represent you. Nova Scotia Legal Aid can provide legal advice and can represent you in court if you qualify. Legal Aid has strict guidelines as to whom they can help. To find out more about NS Legal Aid go to http://www.gov.ns.ca/Just/legal_aid.asp You may call Nova Scotia Legal Aid at 1.877.420.6578 for all their offices in Nova Scotia. Dalhousie Legal Aid can also provide legal advice and representation within HRM. To contact Dalhousie Legal Aid, call 1.902.423.8105. Is LISNS a government department?
No. However, some of our funding comes from Justice Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Justice. We also receive finding from the NS Law Foundation. These grants allow us to provide basic levels of service, and pay for office space and utilities, etc. While demand for the services we provide has soared by more than 200%, core funding has not really increased in 20 years. To maintain and expand services we must fundraise more than 1/3 of our annual budget. If you would like to help LISNS by donating, click here.
How do I make a donation?
There are three ways to donate: - Donate securely online using your VISA. Click here to donate now.
- Call the administration line at 1.902.454.2198 and donate over the phone using either VISA or MasterCard.
- Mail a cheque to LISNS, 5523B Young St, Halifax, NS, B3K 1Z7.
Can I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Yes. We are a registered charitable organization. Your tax receipt is mailed to you.
How can I get legal information?
There are several ways: Will you go to court and represent me?
No. We can help you learn more about the law, the court system and what to expect. LISNS gives legal information, not advice or representation. What is the Legal Information Line?
If you have a question about the law, call the Legal Information Line. One of our two legal information counselors will try to answer your questions and let you know where you can get help with your legal problem. There is no charge for talking to one of our counselors. Keep in mind – they answer about 8,000 calls a year and the lines may be busy when you are trying to call. Just try again!
If you are in HRM call: 455.3135. Outside HRM call 1.800.665.9779. The Legal Information Line is open Mondays - 10 am to 7:00 pm (evening hours September to May only), and Tuesday to Thursday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. The Line is closed on Fridays, weekends and statutory holidays. What is the Lawyer Referral Service?
We cannot give you legal advice, but if you want to talk with a lawyer, we may refer you to one through our Lawyer Referral Service. About 6% of lawyers in private practice across the province are registered with this service. We give you a lawyer’s name and telephone number. You call the lawyer’s office to arrange to meet with the lawyer for up to 30 minutes (for only $20 plus HST). The lawyer will review your problem with you, give you an idea of your options, and discuss the costs of representation. What is Dial-a-Law?
Dial-a-Law is a 24-hour service that provides recorded legal information. If you live outside metro Halifax, long distance charges apply. Most tapes are three to five minutes long and cover the basic information on a particular topic. To use the service, which includes more than 70 subjects, call 1.902.420.1888. What printed publications do you have?
We have more than 30 publications on the law, written in plain language, including family, criminal and employment. You may also download and print many of the legal information topics of legal information we have on this website. Can I just send my question by regular letter mail or by email?
No. The Legal Information Line counselors have their hands completely full answering the phone calls. We would love to hire another counselor. You can help us do that! Could I come in to your office and talk to someone about my situation?
No. The Legal Information Line counselors have their hands completely full answering the phone calls. We would love to hire another counselor. You can help us do that! Why can’t I leave a message on the Legal Information Line?
The Legal Information Line counselors are only able to keep up with the number of calls they receive each year. The wait time for them to get back to you, if you were able to leave a message (in between all the calls), would be too long to be acceptable. How can I make a complaint?
If you have concerns about LISNS, we want to hear from you. Please email execdirec@legalinfo.org. I am not from Nova Scotia, is there another service like LISNS elsewhere in Canada?
Yes. There is one in each province. You can find a complete list of organizations here. How do I contact LISNS?
Our administration mailing address is:
5523B Young St
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 1Z7 Admin Tel: 1.902.454.2198 (Note: We will not answer legal information questions on this line.) Admin Fax: 1.902.455.3105 return to top of page
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