Finding a lawyer or sworn translator in Belgium
For residence, asylum or court papers you sometimes need a sworn translation or a lawyer. Here is where to look officially, and how to ask for free help.
Sworn translator
A sworn translation is signed by an officially registered translator. Town halls, courts and many offices ask for one.
The Federal Public Service Justice keeps the national register of sworn translators and interpreters. Anyone can search it free of charge by language and region.
Before paying, ask the office whether it also needs the signature legalised.
Lawyer
Belgium has two bar associations: one for the French- and German-speaking bars, one for Flanders. Their websites let you look for a lawyer by town and field.
Ask about fees and spoken languages from the start.
Free lawyer (pro deo)
On a low income you can get a free or low-cost lawyer, called second-line legal aid.
Apply at the legal aid office of the bar in your judicial district (BAJ in French, BJB in Dutch). Bring proof of income, such as a CPAS certificate or your asylum seeker document.
A first free legal advice is also open to everyone (first-line legal aid): ask your town hall or the CPAS.
Are you a lawyer or translator?
List your office on Wayn for free and add the languages you speak, so people looking for someone who speaks their language can find you.