Australia’s legal system isn't easy to navigate. There are different laws in in each state and territory and nationally. If you’ve been experiencing economic abuse, chances are you do not have lots of money available to pay for a lawyer, unless friends or family are chipping in. Below, you'll find links to good sources of legal information and to a range of state and territory-specific legal services for women, people on low-incomes and First Nations people.
Family Violence Law HelpInformation about domestic and family violence law in Australia, including family law and state and territory domestic violence laws. The site was developed by National Legal Aid with funding from the Australian Government.Financial Abuse Legal Service NSWThis service by Redfern Legal Centre delivers free, confidential legal information and advice to people across NSW who have money problems due to domestic abuse in an intimate partner relationship.0481 730 344Women's Legal Service VictoriaWLS is not-for-profit organisation that provides free legal services to women experiencing disadvantage to address legal issues arising from relationship breakdown or violence. Tue and Thu 5.30pm to 7.30pm1800 133 302Women's Legal Service QueenslandFree legal help for women in Queensland with domestic violence, complex family law and sexual assault matters. Mon - Fri 9.00am to 3.00pm.1800 957 957Women's Legal Service Western AustraliaNot for profit community legal centre providing free legal services to WA women with no, or very low, income and other challenges. Mon - Thu 9.30am to 4.00pm, Sat 9.30am to 1.00pm.(08) 9272 8800 or 1800 625 122Women's Legal Service TasmaniaWomen's Legal Service is a community legal service operating a free, confidential statewide legal service for women. Mon - Fri 10.00am to 4.00pm.1800 682 468Women's Legal Service South AustraliaCommunity based legal centre providing legal services, representation and referrals to women in South Australia. Limited hours - check website for details.08 8221 5553 Women's Legal Centre ACTProvides legal and non-legal support to Canberra’s most vulnerable women. Mon - Fri 9.30am to midday.(02) 6257 4377 Women's Legal Service NSWWLS NSW is an independent non-profit organisation which provides legal advice and casework for women in NSW. Tue and Thu - limited hours.1800 801 501Ask LoisAsk Lois is a free legal online information service (LOIS) for community workers in NSW, who are responding to women with legal needs.Wallumatta LegalWallumatta Legal is a low fee, not-for-profit law firm that assists clients with family law issues exclusively. It primarily helps people who can't access Legal Aid, but can’t afford to pay a private law firm.(02) 9850 6603Mob Strong Debt HelpMob Strong Debt Help is a free legal advice service about money matters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from anywhere in Australia. Provided by the Financial Rights Legal Centre.1800 808 488Immigration Advice and Rights Centre The Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (IARC) takes referrals from social workers, refuges, health professionals, community legal centres and other community organisations. IARC has a priority line for domestic violence cases. (02) 8234 0777 Victoria Legal AidVLA helps people with their legal problems and is focused on protecting the rights of Victorians and representing those who need it the most. Mon to Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm.1300 792 387Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)VALS provides referrals, advice/information, duty work or case work assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria. 1800 064 865Legal Aid NSWLegal Aid NSW helps people with their legal problems. Their legal services include legal advice, help at court and family dispute resolution. Mon - Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm (excluding publc holidays).1300 888 529Legal Aid ACTHelps people in the ACT with their legal problems, especially people who are socially or economically disadvantaged. Mon - Fri 8.30am to 4.30pm.1300 654 314Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW and ACT)ALS does legal work in criminal law, children’s care and protection law and family law.1800 733 233 (Care, Protection and Family Matters)Legal Services Commission of SAProvides legal advice and education and provides representation for those who are most in need and unable to pay for legal representation. Mon - Fri 9.00am to 4.30pm.1300 366 424Aboriginal Legal Rights MovementALRM is an Aboriginal community organisation and law practice in SA. It has a criminal practice and a civil section which deals with child protection and family law cases among other things.1800 643 222 (Freecall SA only)Legal Aid QldLegal help for financially disadvantaged Queenslanders about criminal, family and civil law matters. Mon - Fri 8.30am to 5.00pm.1300 65 11 88Legal Aid Western AustraliaAims to promote access to legal services and information for all West Australians across Civil, Criminal and Family Law. Mon - Fri 9.00am to 4.00pm.1300 650 579Aboriginal Legal Service of WAProvides legal representation and support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Western Australia.1800 019 900Circle Green WACircle Green is a community legal centre in WA that can help with legal issues related to employment, tenancy, migration, and domestic and family violence.Family Law (Property) Legal ClinicSpecifically provides advice on family law financial matters. This can include property settlement and spousal maintenance but NOT general financial or child support agreements.(08) 9272 8800North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal ServiceWith offices in Darwin and Katherine NAAFLS is an independent Family Violence Prevention Legal Service, providing culturally sensitive assistance to Indigenous victim-survivors of family violence and sexual assault. Mon - Fri 8.30am to 4.30pm.1800 041 998North Australian Aboriginal Justice Service (NAAJA)NAAJA is contracted by the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department to provide Criminal and Civil Law services to Aboriginal people and their families in the Northern Territory.1800 898 251 (Freecall)Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service QldATSILS is a non-profit, community-based organisation contracted by the Federal Attorney General's Department to provide criminal, civil and family law services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and their families in Queensland.1800 012 255 (24 hrs, 7 days)NT Legal Aid CommissionLegal Aid helps people with their legal problems by providing legal information, advice, help at court and family dispute resolution. Mon - Fri 8.00am to 4.30pm.1800 019 343 Top End Women's Legal ServiceNot for profit specialist women’s legal service providing free legal services for women in the Top End of the Northern Territory.1800 234 441 Legal Aid Commission of TasmaniaProvides legal advice, representation, and family dispute resolution services with a focus on economically and socially disadvantaged Tasmanians. Mon - Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm.1300 366 611Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal ServiceThe Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS) specialises in criminal, civil and family law matters for Aboriginal people in Tasmania.1800 595 162 (Freecall)Everyday JusticeEveryday Justice is a national free legal service for people who do not qualify for Legal Aid and cannot afford a lawyer. Everyday Justice can help with financial abuse matters, and issues related to credit, debt, bankruptcy, tenancy and fines.1800 161 196