WHEN faced with a legal issue, one of the hardest parts of getting help can be knowing where to begin. The following steps from Victorian Law Week can help you to get started.
1. Identify the law in your problem. A great place to start to identify if the law can help you is the Victoria Legal Aid website. Fitzroy Legal Service also offers a practical guide to using the law, which is available online.
2. Ask those around you. Speaking to family and friends about an issue you are experiencing can help you understand your legal needs. If you are connected with community supports or services, they can often point you to self-help information and resources.
3. Navigate the legal system. Finding the right help can be tricky, but law week events can help and you can also find resources online. Victoria’s Legal System resource from the Victorian Law Foundation guides you through which laws apply in Victoria and who’s who in the legal sector. Victoria Legal Aid’s online chat or phone service can also connect you to legal services that can help.
4. Access free legal support. In some situations, you may be eligible for free legal help. To find out, contact Victoria Legal Aid or your local Community Legal Centre.
5. Find a private lawyer. The Law Institute of Victoria’s ‘Find Your Lawyer’ service connects you with local lawyers that can assist if you require your own lawyer.
To find out more about getting legal help and to access these recourses, go to: www.viclawweek.org.au/legal-help
