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Free legal advice

If you’re facing legal action, you can get free legal advice

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When you're in debt and have legal problems, you may worry that you can't afford a private solicitor. It's reassuring to know there's free legal advice available.

If you've received a default notice, or are being taken to court because you owe money, don't ignore it. Contact one of the organisations below straight away. They're here to help you.

If you're in crisis or need urgent help with housing or living expenses, see urgent help with money.

Community legal centres

Community legal centres are independent, not-for-profit, community-based organisations. They provide free legal help to those most in need.

Contact the Community Legal Centres Australia (02 9264 9595) for all centres in Australia.

Other legal services by state

There are also Legal Aid agencies, as well as other types of legal services, in each state and territory.

Australian Capital Territory

Legal Aid ACT
1300 654 314

Consumer Law Centre of the ACT
02 6257 1788

Women's Legal Centre (ACT and Region)
02 6257 4499

Aboriginal Legal Services
02 9213 4100 and 1800 765 767

Northern Territory

Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission
1800 019 343

Top End Women's Legal Services
08 8982 3000 or 1800 234 441

Central Australian Women's Legal Services
1800 684 055

North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency
Alice Springs 1800 636 079, Darwin 1800 898 251, Katherine 1800 897 728

New South Wales

Legal Aid New South Wales
1300 888 529 or 02 9219 5000

Financial Rights Legal Centre
1800 007 007

Redfern Legal Centre
02 9698 7277

Women's Legal Services NSW
02 8745 6900

Aboriginal Legal Services
02 9213 4100 and 1800 765 767

Queensland

Legal Aid Queensland
1300 651 188

Caxton Legal Centre
07 3214 6333

Queensland Women's Legal Services
1800 957 957 or 1800 457 117 (rural, regional and remote)

North Queensland Women's Legal Services
1800 244 504

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services
1800 012 255

South Australia

Legal Services Commission of South Australia
1300 366 424

Consumer Credit Law Centre
1300 886 220 or 08 8342 1800

Women's Legal Service (SA)
08 8221 5553 or 1800 816 349

Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement
1800 643 222

Tasmania

Victoria

Victoria Legal Aid
1300 792 387 or 03 9269 0120

Consumer Action Law Centre
1800 466 477

Women's Legal Service Victoria
03 8622 0600 or 1800 133 302

Aboriginal Community Legal Service
1800 064 865

Western Australia

Legal Aid Western Australia
1300 650 579

Consumer Credit Legal Service WA
08 9221 7066

Women's Law Centre WA
08 9272 8800 or 1800 625 122

Aboriginal Legal Service
1800 019 900