Free legal help
Legal help · 3 min read
Legal aid, community legal centres and Aboriginal legal services all give free advice. Most will talk to you on the phone the same week.
Three doors, all free
- <strong>Legal Aid</strong> in your state — advice for everyone, full representation if you meet the means test.
- <strong>Community legal centres</strong> — local, often specialists in tenancy, family violence or debt.
- <strong>Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services</strong> — culturally safe, statewide.
Ring early, not the night before court
Advice a fortnight out changes outcomes. Advice the night before rarely can.
Take your paperwork
Whatever letter, notice or order started this. Even a photo of it on your phone is enough.
Before legal advice
- Gather every letter and notice
- Write the story in date order on one page
- Write down the three questions I most need answered
- Note any court dates
- Ask what happens if I do nothing
- Ask what it will cost, in writing
All guides · Read this in the app
This is general information, not legal, financial or medical advice — the rules differ between states and territories.
Not an emergency service
If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For family and domestic violence support any time, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).