How we can help with your legal problem
This information was produced on Wurundjeri Land and is correct as of March 2022.
This video is about how we can help with your legal problems.
We may be able to give you different types of help.
The type of help we can give depends on your legal problem and how much money you have.
Legal information and advice
We can give you information on the law and your options.
We can do this on webchat or the phone.
We may also be able to send you information, communicate with you before court, connect you with other services and supports, write letters for you, or speak for you in court.
If you have a disability, a disability or a mental health issue, have difficulty communicating in English or are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, we may be able to give you more help.
Tell us how you want us to give you information.
We can organise support to communicate with us, like interpreters or the National Relay Service.
We can help with many legal problems. If we cannot answer your questions, we will give you the contact details of someone who can. This may be a community legal centre or a private lawyer.
Duty lawyers
Our duty lawyers work at courts across Victoria and help with some legal problems.
They may be able to help you if you are going to court and do not already have a lawyer.
Ask the court about duty lawyers when you get there.
We have two services that may be able to help you before you go to court.
Our Help Before Court service offers help if you are going to the Magistrates’ Court because the police said you broke the law.
Our Family Advocacy and Support service offers help if you are going to the family law courts.
Go to our website to find out more about these services: www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Other support
If you are having compulsory mental health treatment our Independent Mental Health Advocacy program can support you.
If you are a parent or primary carer in early stages of the child protection system, our Independent Family Advocacy and Support program can support you.
If you are separating from your partner, our Family Dispute Resolution Service can help you reach agreements with them.
Visit our website to find out more about these services: www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Acknowledgement
Thank you to Deaf Victoria for making this video and to our consumer advocacy groups Shared Experience and Support and Speaking from Experience who helped us write these messages.
Updated