This video explains how the Tasmania Legal Aid can help you with your legal issue.
Transcript of Video
Eve (Lawyer): Most of you watching this film would have heard of Tasmania Legal Aid, an organisation funded by both the State and Federal governments. But do you know about all the services we offer? Over the next few minutes, we’ll explain how Legal Aid could help you if you need legal representation or advice on a legal issue.
Young Adult Female: What is legal aid?
Eve: Legal Aid provides representation for people who can’t afford to engage a private solicitor. Our clients are mainly low income earners or people receiving benefits from the government.
Young Adult Female: Can anyone get legal aid?
Eve: There is a means test in place to see if people qualify for legal aid. This is based on things like your income, assets and so on. There is also a merits test to meet. We primarily provide legal representation for family and criminal matters.
There are some Legal Aid services that are not means tested. For instance, assistance dealing with family violence and debt resolution may not cost anything. In addition the 1300 366 611 legal advice line is free.
Young Adult Female: How do I apply for legal aid?
Eve: There are two ways you can apply for legal aid. You can contact Legal Aid directly or, you can ask your private solicitor to apply on your behalf.
Mature Adult Female: What sort of issues can legal aid help me with?
Eve: A lot of people think Legal Aid is just to help people who have committed serious crimes and are likely to go to jail. And while we do a lot of this type of work, there are plenty of other areas where we can help. For instance, if you need advice about making a will, understanding what a ‘power of attorney’ means, preparing for the Family Law court, resolving boundary fence disputes, dealing with barking dogs or even a drink driving charge, we can advise you.
Just call our 1300 legal advice line for assistance.
Mature Adult Female: How does legal aid help me?
Eve: When you call the legal advice line, you will be speaking directly with an experienced lawyer. In fact, we are the only Legal Aid in Australia where you can do this. The lawyer can advise you on a range of issues and make referrals where appropriate. This service is free and most importantly, it’s confidential. We also have a website that has information and fact sheets on all aspects of community living and other legal issues.
Young Adult Female: How do I contact Tasmania Legal Aid?
Eve: Legal Aid has four offices around the state in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie. To find out more information call our legal advice line on 1300 366 611.
If you need advice, making ONE call to Legal Aid could save you a lot of stress and more importantly, may save you a lot of money.