Can I give Zakaat to a person to pay his legal fees?

Answer

Zakaat is the right/haq of the poor. If the person who is in debt with legal fees was compelled to resort to court action, and if he is poor and qualifies for Zakaat, then Zakaat may be given to him. What he then does with the money is his concern. It should be firstly ascertained if he is on the Haqq regarding the fees.