Get an interpreter at a court or tribunal
You might be able to get an interpreter for free if you鈥檙e going to a court or tribunal.
Your interpreter will normally be available only during the hearing. They might be able to take part in legal discussions before or after the hearing if the judge allows it.
If you鈥檙e deaf or hard of hearing
You鈥檒l always be given an interpreter if you鈥檙e deaf or have difficulty hearing (鈥榟ard of hearing鈥�).
If you want to speak Welsh in court
You might be able to get an interpreter if you want to speak Welsh in a court in Wales.
dealing with your case to ask for an interpreter. You can get all forms and leaflets in Welsh. You can use Welsh to write or speak to anyone in a court in Wales.
If you do not understand English
You might be able to get an interpreter if you can鈥檛 understand English. This will depend on:
- what your case involves
- the type of court or tribunal dealing with your case
You might be able to get a friend or family member to act as your interpreter. You must ask the judge for permission before the hearing - dealing with your case.
Civil courts
You鈥檒l be given an interpreter if your case involves:
- possession of property or land - for example, you鈥檙e being evicted by your landlord
- committal - for example, you鈥檝e broken a court order and might go to prison
You might still be able to get an interpreter for other types of cases, but only if all of the following apply:
- you cannot afford to pay for an interpreter yourself
- you do not qualify for legal aid聽
- you do not have a friend or family member who the judge says can act as your interpreter
Family courts
You鈥檒l be given an interpreter if your case involves children, domestic violence or forced marriage. You might still be able to get an interpreter for other types of cases, but only if all of the following apply:
- you cannot afford to pay for an interpreter yourself
- you do not qualify for legal aid聽
- you do not have a friend or family member who the judge says can act as your interpreter
Tribunals
For some tribunals, you鈥檒l need to ask for an interpreter when you fill in your appeal form. Or you can contact your local tribunal office before your hearing to ask for an interpreter.
Criminal courts
You鈥檒l be given an interpreter if you鈥檙e the defendant. You can where your case will be heard to check if an interpreter has been arranged.
You鈥檒l need to ask the defence solicitor to find an interpreter for you if you鈥檙e a defence witness.
The prosecuting agency (for example, the Crown Prosecution Service) will find an interpreter for you if you鈥檙e a prosecution witness.