Legal Aid

Everyone is entitled to at least some legal advice from Legal Aid, regardless of income. This may be given over the phone or by making an appointment.

Legal Aid may also provide legal representation, called a grant of legal aid. However, eligibility for Legal Aid is subject to a means test. Also, it is not free. Most people have to pay a contribution and the amount will depend on your financial situation and the area of law.

Legal Aid may be available for family law, criminal law, some civil and administrative law cases and many more.

However, services provided by legal aid vary from state to state. See the Australian Pro Bono Manual for more detail on the type of cases that Legal Aid may provide a grant of aid for, or contact the Legal Aid office in your state. See State Directories for Legal Aid contact details of each Australian state/territory.

Q:  What if I am not eligible for Legal Aid?

A: If you are not eligible for legal aid, you may consider:

• going to a community legal centre (CLC)
• applying to a legal referral scheme (go to the State Directories for referral schemes in your state)
• contacting a telephone advice service (see State Directories)
• or, if you are to appear in Court:
  • applying to a court-based referral scheme or
  • acting as a self-represented litigant.

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