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Divorce Guide

Legal Aid

Legal Aid for Divorce in Malaysia

Where to get free or low-cost legal help for your divorce, who qualifies, and how to apply.

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3 min readUpdated 7 Oct 20263 sources

For people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.

Contents

If you cannot afford a lawyer, there are three main places to turn:

  • The government’s Legal Aid Department (Jabatan Bantuan Guaman).
  • The Bar Council’s Legal Aid Centres.
  • NGOs that support women and families.

This government agency gives free or low-cost legal help, including for divorce, custody, maintenance and property.

JBG applies a means test based on your annual financial resources, and the officer also considers your dependants. As published by JBG for Malaysian citizens:

  • RM 50,000 or less: full assistance with no contribution.
  • RM 50,001 to RM 70,000: assistance with a contribution of roughly RM 500 to RM 5,000 (RM 500 to RM 2,000 up to RM 55,000; RM 2,001 to RM 3,000 up to RM 60,000; RM 3,001 to RM 4,000 up to RM 65,000; RM 4,001 to RM 5,000 up to RM 70,000).
  • Above RM 70,000: only with the Minister’s approval.

The department also runs a merits test, which asks whether your case has reasonable grounds. Both tests must be met. Confirm the current figures and your own eligibility on the official JBG site.

It can give advice, prepare documents, arrange mediation and represent you in court. There is a small registration fee. It has offices in every state.

The Malaysian Bar runs Legal Aid Centres in major cities. They give free legal advice and, in suitable cases, representation.

They do not use the same income limit as the Legal Aid Department. Each case is assessed on its own facts.

Most centres accept walk-ins. Find the nearest one on the Malaysian Bar website or by calling the Bar Council.

Help from NGOs

Several NGOs help people going through divorce, especially where there is domestic violence.

The Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) offers crisis support, shelter and legal help. Call 03-3000 8858. Its services are open to all women, whatever their income.

For immediate help, call Talian Kasih on 15999. This 24-hour government helpline can connect you with social workers, shelter and legal referrals.

The All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) and Sisters in Islam also give guidance and support to women going through divorce.

How to apply

Visit the Legal Aid Department office nearest your home. Bring:

  • Your MyKad.
  • Proof of income, such as payslips or an EPF statement.
  • Documents about your case, such as your marriage certificate, police reports or court orders.

If you are in a domestic violence situation and cannot go in person, call the Legal Aid Department or one of the NGOs above and ask what help they can arrange.

You can also get early advice from a lawyer. Some lawyers offer a short first consultation free or at a low fee, which can help you understand your position.

If you are in danger

Call the police on 999 or the WAO hotline on 03-3000 8858. Safety planning can help you leave safely.

Looking to engage a divorce lawyer? If you are unsure whether you qualify for legal aid or which service to contact, request independent lawyer contact via WhatsApp: Request Lawyer Contact. For general information, use our guides and tools.

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for legal aid in Malaysia?
The Legal Aid Department (JBG) helps Malaysian citizens whose annual financial resources are RM 50,000 or less, free of charge. If your resources are between RM 50,001 and RM 70,000 you can still be helped but must pay a contribution of about RM 500 to RM 5,000, depending on the band. It checks both your finances (a means test) and your case (a merits test). Check the current rules on jbg.gov.my.
What does legal aid cover for divorce?
It can cover advice, mediation and representation in court. This includes filing the petition, attending hearings, and settling custody and maintenance.
Where can I find a Legal Aid Centre near me?
The Legal Aid Department has offices in every state, and the Bar Council runs Legal Aid Centres in major cities. Visit jbg.gov.my or call your nearest Bar Council centre for an appointment.
Are there groups that help domestic violence survivors with legal costs?
Yes. The Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), on 03-3000 8858, gives support including legal help for survivors. Talian Kasih (15999) can refer you to support services.

Related reading

Divorce and Domestic Violence in Malaysia

Domestic violence and divorce in Malaysia: emergency numbers, protection orders under Act 521, and how to file for divorce on the ground of behaviour.

How to Plan Your Safety When Leaving an Abusive Spouse

A practical safety plan for leaving an abusive spouse in Malaysia: helplines to call, documents to gather, where to go and how to get a protection order.

How Civil Divorce Works in Malaysia: Steps and Timeline

The civil divorce process in Malaysia under Act 164: joint and single petitions, JPN conciliation, decree nisi, timelines and the documents you need.

Hidden Assets in Divorce: Making Your Spouse Disclose

Suspect your spouse is hiding assets in a Malaysian divorce? How financial disclosure works: discovery orders, forensic accountants and penalties for hiding assets.

Can You Get Free Legal Help for Divorce in Malaysia?

Free legal aid for divorce in Malaysia: the Legal Aid Bureau, Bar Council Legal Aid Centres and other options, who qualifies and how to apply.

What Legal Aid Options Are There for Divorce in Malaysia?

Legal aid options for divorce in Malaysia: the Legal Aid Bureau, Bar Council legal aid centres, NGOs and what to do if you do not qualify.

Looking to Engage a Divorce Lawyer?

For people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.

Request Lawyer Contact