Individuals facing difficulties in litigation can now seek assistance from prosecutors to help file civil lawsuits in court, according to a new guideline jointly issued by China's top judicial authorities.

Released on Tuesday by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the guideline allows people to request help from prosecutors in initiating civil cases when they encounter challenges in protecting their rights and legitimate interests.

The guideline specifies that migrant workers struggling to claim unpaid wages and victims of domestic violence who face obstacles in pursuing divorce, compensation or personal safety protection orders can apply to prosecutors for support in filing civil lawsuits.

Elderly individuals who are unable to live independently or face financial hardship due to age, illness or lack of capacity, as well as people with disabilities and minors whose personal or property rights have been violated, are also eligible to seek litigation assistance from prosecutors.

In addition, military personnel, their families, and the dependents of martyrs and service members who died in the line of duty or from illness will receive prosecutorial support when their legal rights and interests are infringed upon.

The Supreme People's Court said in a statement that the 16-article guideline aims to ensure equal litigation rights and uphold justice and fairness. It emphasized that courts and procuratorates should fully respect the parties' wishes when deciding whether to file lawsuits.

Formulated based on the Civil Procedure Law, the guideline clarifies that individuals must submit an application with identity documents and supporting evidence to procuratorial authorities. It also allows those who have difficulty writing to apply orally.