Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

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How and when to contact us.

On this page

Do you have a legal issue or need free legal information? You can:

You can contact Legal Help 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday. These services are closed on public holidays.

We also offer referrals and free legal advice for those who are eligible.

Get help quickly

Our online chat is a good way to get help from us. We can:

  • answer legal questions
  • give general legal information
  • connect you with other organisations that can help.

We cannot arrange appointments or give specific legal advice through Legal Help Chat.

Our qualified staff run Legal Help Chat between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Our chat is closed on public holidays.

When you send us a message to start a chat, we will ask for details about you and your legal question.

Our chat staff can give you general information to help with your question. We can also refer you to other organisations that may be able to help.

If you need help with a specific issue, you may need more tailored advice from a lawyer. We will tell you if you should call our free Legal Help phone line, or we will arrange for someone to contact you.

How to start a chat

  1. Visit any page on our website between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday. A Legal Help Chat window will appear at the bottom of the page.
  2. Type your legal question and details into the chat window. Our expert Legal Help staff will respond as soon as possible.

If the chat isn’t available, try our I need legal information about ... section. We have lots of information, free resources and publications to help answer common legal questions.

There are some legal issues we don’t give advice on. If you contact us about one of these issues, we will send you some general information or refer you to another organisation that can help.

How to get help over the phone

You can phone our Legal Help on 1300 792 387 between 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday. We only give legal advice to those who are eligible.

Our phone line is in high demand. We appreciate your patience if you are put on hold. It is best to call early in the day.

Get help in your language

Our staff speak many languages. If we do not speak your language, we will organise a free interpreter when you call.

We also have information about our legal services and how to use them in many languages. See our available languages and interpreters.

We have interpreters.

How to contact us if you are deaf or find it hard to hear or speak on the phone

If you are deaf or you find it hard to hear or speak on the phone, you can contact us 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday, via:

See also Support if you are deaf or find it hard to hear or speak on the phone.

How to contact us on behalf of someone else

You can call our Legal Help phone line if you are:

  • trying to help a child under 18
  • a worker calling for a client
  • another third party trying to help someone find legal information and advice.

We prefer that the person or child with the legal issue is present, so we can give accurate and targeted advice. If the person with the issue is not present, we can only provide limited information.

How else we can help

Our free legal services include:

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