The Ombudsperson for Children is not a lawyer, which means that the Ombudsperson does not represent parties in administrative and court proceedings or give legal advice.
The Ombudsperson for Children does not represent citizens before state bodies, bodies of local and regional self-government units and legal entities with public powers, does not provide legal assistance and does not interpret laws and other regulations.
In Croatia, free legal aid is provided by the administrative bodies of the counties and the City of Zagreb, authorised associations, legal clinics and lawyers. Legal aid providers can inform you on your rights and possibilities to exercising them and if needed, they will contact other institutions regarding your case. The Office of the Ombudsperson for Children is not a provider of free legal aid in Croatia. Having a lawyer is not compulsory when applying to the Ombudsperson for Children.