Depending on your income and legal needs, the Australian government can provide free legal advice.Basic legal assistance is available to anyone, including answering legal questions over the phone or referring you to an appropriate attorney based on your needs.If you qualify for a grant of legal aid, you can have an attorney represent you in court.If you don't qualify for a grant of legal aid but still cannot afford legal assistance, you can get help from a Community Legal Centre.
Step 1: You can call your state's legal hotline.
Basic, preliminary information about your legal rights and obligations can be found in legal advice over the phone.Depending on the complexity of your legal issue, you may be invited to speak to a legal advisor at the Legal Aid office closest to you.In your state or territory, the Legal Aid Commission provides legal helplines.Click on the link for your state or territory to find the right number to call.Legal hotlines are usually open during regular business hours.Domestic violence hotlines may be open in the evening or on weekends.
Step 2: You should make an appointment with a legal advisor.
You can make an appointment to talk to an advisor at the Legal Aid Commission in person if your legal issue is too complex for a short phone call.The advisor will listen to your issue and review any related documents that you have, then tell you what to do next.The advisor can help you fill out forms related to your case.If the advisor thinks you need continuing legal representation, they may refer you to a free or affordable attorney.
Step 3: Legal guides and forms can be ordered.
The forms and guides for your state can be found on the website of the Legal Aid Commission.Basic information about the court process and your legal rights can be found on videos.If you don't have reliable internet access or prefer to fill out paper forms, these materials are also available in the Legal Aid office.resources that will help you learn more about your legal issue can be found on the internet.
Step 4: Do you know if your court has a duty lawyer?
If a lawsuit has already been filed, the court might have a duty lawyer who can help you.You usually get help from the duty lawyer on the day of the hearing.You may be able to talk to them in advance.If you need to make an appointment to speak with the duty lawyer, you should call the court's Registrar.A duty lawyer is not your personal legal representative.They can answer questions, but they won't give you personal legal advice.
Step 5: The Legal Information Access Centre is located in the library.
The Legal Information Access Centre is located in most local library branches.You can learn more about your rights and obligations if you go to an LIAC.You can find the nearest public library by selecting your state from the drop-down menu.
Step 6: You can find the Legal Aid Commission in your state.
The Legal Aid Commission of each state issues legal aid grants.Depending on where you live, the application process and eligibility requirements for Legal Aid differ.You can find the name of your state or territory on the website.The website for the Legal Aid Commission can be found in your state or territory.You can find the office that's most convenient for you by looking up the location.
Step 7: Determine if you can pass the tests.
There are different requirements for legal aid grant eligibility in each state.The requirements are based on the average income, needs and resources of the state.The "Jurisdiction Test" looks at the court you're using and your legal issue's area of law.If legal aid is available for help in that court, you can meet this test.In all areas of law, not all legal aid offices offer help.To figure out how much money you have available to contribute to your legal assistance, the "Means Test" looks at your income and assets.The circumstances of your case are looked at in the "Merit Test".If you are given a grant of legal aid, you will most likely meet this test.The Legal Aid Commission's resources are looked at in the "Availability of Funds Test".If the office has the funds, you'll get a grant.You can't assess whether you pass the test on your own.
Step 8: Documentation of your income should be gathered.
If you want to apply for a grant of legal aid, you need to provide information about your income and government benefits.Along with your application, you will need to provide these documents to the legal aid office.Copies of your payslips, Centre link Statement of Benefit, and bank or credit union statements are all required.
Step 9: You need to complete the Legal Aid application.
The website of the Legal Aid Commission can be used to start the application.If you're not comfortable filling out the application online or don't have reliable internet access, you can get a paper application from the office closest to you.Questions about you, your finances, and the legal problem you are facing are included in the form.All questions should be answered as completely and accurately as possible.Delays or denial of your application could be caused by incomplete information.At the end of the application there is a list of documents you need to include.All of the documents listed apply to your situation.
Step 10: Wait for a letter that says you've been awarded a grant.
Depending on the complexity of your situation and the kind of legal assistance you need, how long it takes Legal Aid to process your application varies.You can check on the status of your application by calling the Legal Aid office.If your application is approved, you will receive a letter in the mail with the amount of your grant and the name of an attorney who has been assigned to your case.You can schedule an appointment with the attorney to get started on your case.You will get a letter if your application is denied.You may be able to appeal the decision.Information about the appeal process will be included in the denial letter.If your case is urgent or you have a deadline from the court, you might want to explore other options for free legal assistance.
Step 11: You can find the nearest Community Legal Centre.
You can find the CLC closest to you by entering your postcode at http://www.naclc.org.au/.Click on your location on a map to browse a list of CLCs.Family law, credit and debt, social security, tenancy, employment, and discrimination are some of the legal areas that generalist CLCs can help with.There is assistance in a particular area of law provided by specialist CLCs.Services for women, refugees, people with disabilities, and older people can be found in specialist CLCs.Social security and welfare rights, landlord and tenant issues, or consumer and credit issues can be dealt with by specialist CLCs.
Step 12: To find out if you are eligible for their services, contact your local CLC.
CLCs help people who aren't eligible for legal aid, but are disadvantaged socially or financially.CLCs are independent nonprofits and their resources vary greatly.Before you visit, call the CLC closest to you to find out their eligibility criteria.The types of legal issues they can assist with are listed in the guidelines.If you have a legal issue, you may not get assistance from a CLC.
Step 13: You should gather information about your legal issue.
You should organize any court documents, evidence, or other information related to your legal issue or court case before you go to the CLC.It is possible to take notes of any questions you might have so your session at the CLC is as productive as it can be.If you're going to the CLC for assistance with a tenancy issue, you might include a copy of your lease, copies of any letters or notices you have received from your landlord, and photos of the rental unit.List the names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone involved in your case.If you're going to the CLC for assistance with an employment issue, you might list the name, address, and phone number of your employer as well as coworkers with information about the issue.
Step 14: Discuss your issue with a lawyer.
A legal advisor will review your information and give you initial advice.Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to represent yourself.The legal advisor may offer ongoing assistance in more complicated cases.CLCs have volunteer attorneys who help their clients.The legal advisor will give you a referral if your case seems right for one of these attorneys.Volunteer attorneys can offer free legal advice or charge you based on your income and assets.