If you have a legal problem, but cannot afford to pay for legal advice or representation, Legal Aid Queensland may be able to help. Solicitors, social workers and other trained professionals work together to provide services in family, criminal, civil and general law areas. To find out about these services phone us on 1300 65 11 88.
How can Legal Aid Queensland help me?
We can help you with legal information, advice and court representation.
Legal information
For legal information and assistance, contact our Client Service Centre on 1300 65 11 88. This service is available throughout the State for the cost of a local call.
Our Client Service Officers will:
- sort out whether your problem is legal or not
- refer you to the appropriate source for help whether it is Legal Aid or anther agency
- explain your legal options, and
- explain our services and how to access them.
Our website may also be of valuable assistance to you as it contains legal information and copies of our publications. You can access our website at www.legalaid.qld.gov.au.
Legal advice
Legal advice is available at our offices on weekdays. If you do not meet the means test limit, legal advice is available for a small fee.
Representation in court
Court representation is available on a wide range of problems to people eligible for a grant of aid. A free duty lawyer service is available at most Magistrates and Children’s courts if you have been charged with a criminal offence and it is your first appearance in court.
How do I apply for legal aid?
You apply for legal aid by filling out an application form. Forms are available from all our offices.
Grants of aid for advice and representation are means tested and subject to Legal Aid policy guidelines. Young people under 17 years and applicants who rely on Centrelink payments are automatically deemed to be eligible for legal aid provided they are within the asset test guidelines. Grants of aid for representation services are also merit tested. This is to ensure that we're making the best use of our resources.
Do you have a problem regarding family matters?
We provide the following expert services in family law:
- Legal Aid Conferences
- Domestic Violence
- Child Representation in the Family Court
- Child Support
- Women's Legal Aid
- Community Divorce Scheme and do-it-yourself Divorce Classes
- Representation for contested Family Court proceedings.
Have you been charged with a criminal offence?
If you have, then we can assist you with representation. We also provide the following specialist services for people charged with criminal offences:
- Duty lawyers
- Youth Legal Aid
- Legal Aid Prison Service
- Mental Health Legal Unit.
Are you experiencing legal problems in civil matters?
We can assist you with administrative appeals, veterans' claims, consumer protection, and discrimination.
Specialist services include:
- Civil Law Legal Aid Scheme for personal injuries and other civil matter
- Consumer Protection Unit
- Anti-Discrimination Unit.
Have you been a victim of a crime? Were you injured?
Our Victims of Crime Compensation Unit assists people seeking compensation for injuries received in a criminal act. There is no means test for this service.
Are you a farmer in dispute with your lender?
Our Farm Finance Service may be able to help you. Our Farm Finance Service lawyers provide advice and dispute resolution services to primary producers caught up in disputes with their banks and other lenders.
For more information phone Legal Aid Queensland on 1300 65 11 88.