First-level legal aid is a service that has been put in place by the Belgian legal system to provide initial information or advice relating to your situation that is given by a lawyer.

• clarification of your need
• a response to a specific question

  - which department can help me?
  - should I be represented by a lawyer?
  - should I respond to correspondence from a bailiff?

• practical information on the possibilities open to you

  - within the civil domain (separation, maintenance, adoption, etc.)
  - in the penal domain (community service, limited detention, probation, release on bail, fines connected to an offence, etc.)

• initial legal advice

At this stage, the lawyer does not take any steps on your behalf, or examine a case in depth, or defend your rights.

First-level legal aid is free and accessible to all, without means testing and without an appointment.

• At the BAI (Bureau d’Accueil et d’Information - Reception and Information Office)

  - On the ground floor of the Palais de Justice (Law Courts) in Charleroi (entrance on avenue Général Michel 2, 6000 Charleroi) every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM (during school holidays: Wednesdays from 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM))
  
  - From the free call-centre on 0800 151 40: from Monday to Friday from 05:00 PM to 06:00 PM

• At the Legal Advice Centre for the judicial district of Charleroi

  Rue Basslé 23-25 à 6000 Charleroi
  Tel. 071.23.04.20
  
  Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 

• Within the CPAS (Centres Publics d'Action Sociale - Social Services Centres) for the judicial district Communes of Charleroi that participate in first-line legal aid.
  

  To find out about office opening hours
  - contact the CPAS for your commune
  - look on http://www.uvcw.be/espaces/cpas/  to find their contact details