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Who can get legal aid?

Legal Aid Queensland helps financially and socially disadvantaged Queenslanders to access justice by providing legal information, advice and representation.

Information about the law

Our legal information service is free. We give you information about the law and the legal system. You can access this service:

  • Online - by searching the Legal information and Publications areas of our site.
  • By telephone on 1300 65 11 88 for the cost of a local call. Client information officers listen to your problem and explain the legal issues involved, tell you about the law and tell you how to access our services or refer you to other services which can help you.
  • Face-to-face by talking to a client information officer at one of our 14 offices in Queensland or by visiting one of our Community access points.

Legal advice

Our lawyers can help with free advice about most personal legal problems. To get advice, call 1300 65 11 88 and a client information officer will arrange legal advice:

  • For telephone legal advice a lawyer will call you back, usually the same or next day.
  • For face-to-face legal advice we will arrange for you to see a lawyer at one of our 14 offices in Queensland.
  • If Legal Aid Queensland is not the best place for you to get advice about your problem, we will refer you to a more appropriate service to help you.
  • When you get legal advice, a lawyer can talk to you about whether you are likely to be eligible for a lawyer to help you with legal representation.

Legal representation

  • Duty lawyer representation

    Legal Aid Queensland arranges Duty lawyer services in criminal matters in more than 100 Magistrates and Children's Courts throughout Queensland.

    Family law duty lawyer services are available in the Brisbane and Townsville Family Court and Federal Magistrates Court. The duty lawyer helps you on the day you are in court. This is a free service.
  • Representation with a grant of legal aid

    Legal representation is available if you get a grant of legal aid. To get a grant of legal aid you must:
    • be financially eligible under our means test
    • have a case which comes within the guidelines set by government
    • have reasonable prospects of succeeding in the legal action.

    You can apply for a grant of legal aid through a private lawyer who does legal aid work or directly to Legal Aid Queensland. It is best to get legal advice before applying for a grant of legal aid.

 

Last updated 20 May 2008