Families of the missing now guaranteed free legal aid in court

In July 2025, legislative amendments came into force that significantly expanded the list of individuals eligible for free secondary legal aid. From now on, family members of people who have gone missing under special circumstances may receive such aid for court-related matters. This includes assistance with preparing legal documents and legal representation in court — for instance, in cases involving the recognition of a person as missing or the appointment of guardianship for children. 

The legislation has effectively clarified the categories of persons entitled to secondary legal aid — now explicitly including relatives of civilians who went missing due to war-related events. 

Importantly, this support applies not only to cases involving missing military personnel but also to civilians who disappeared as a result of armed conflict. Until now, such families lacked a clear legal mechanism to formalize the status of their missing loved one and could only access support if they belonged to another category (such as internally displaced persons). 

Legal assistance for these families is especially vital, as the procedures for confirming the status of a missing person are often complex and emotionally challenging. 

If there is no local bureau of free legal aid in your community, you can turn to the PravoVsim legal platform — fast, accessible, and free of charge. Here, you can receive guidance tailored to your situation and get an online consultation with an experienced legal professional. 

PravoVsim is a modern alternative to in-person legal consultations, making legal support available even in the most remote areas. If you have further questions — our legal experts are here to help.