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.
Use the Community Legal Centres Australia website to find a legal service near you.
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
Alice Springs 1800 636 079, Darwin 1800 898 251, Katherine 1800 897 728
New South Wales
Legal Aid New South Wales
1300 888 529
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
Community Legal Centres (SA)
1300 860 529
Women's Legal Service (SA)
08 8221 5553 or 1800 816 349
Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement
1800 643 222
Tasmania
Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania
1300 366 611
Women's Legal Service Tasmania
1800 682 468
Aboriginal Community Legal Service
1800 064 865
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