Community Legal Education (CLE)
Information and Education is delivered in many ways at Legal Aid ACT such as through brochures, factsheets and presentations delivered to the community.
To find out more phone our Helpline on 1300 654 314 and they will connect you to our Community Education and Information Officer.
Email community.education@legalaidact.org.au for any enquiries and information.
Upcoming Events
Our Law for Non-Lawyers (LFNL) sessions run every month with tickets available on Humantix.
- On Friday 25 October 2024, join us for our upcoming LFNL, featuring guest speaker Tawanda Mukamuri, the Principal Solicitor at Care Consumer Law. In this session, Tawanda will give an overview of Australian Consumer Law, the consumer guarantees that safeguard your rights, and what to do if you run into issues with a product or service. Register at Law For Non-Lawyers: Care Consumer Law | Humanitix
Law for Non-Lawyers
Each month, we run a number of training sessions on a range topics aimed at workers in the community sector. Our sessions will be posted in the upcoming events for you to sign up.
Factsheets and Resources
If you need help in understanding legal words, please see our Legal Words dictionary. For a guide to the free or low-cost legal services in Canberra, see the Free Law Directory.
If you would like to view the resources, we have available in video format, visit our Video Channel.
We have a number of publications on a variety of legal problems, available online below or you can call the Helpline on 1300 654 314 and we will send them to you.
All of our factsheets are intended to be used as a guide only and not as legal advice. Please contact the Legal Aid Helpline if you need legal advice. For information on the types of legal problems Legal Aid ACT can provide advice on, visit Legal Advice.
The factsheets are presented in Portable Document Format, or PDF. If you are having trouble viewing them, please download a free copy of Adobe Reader by clicking the below image or call our Helpline on 1300 654 314 between 9.00am and 5.00pm weekdays and we will send to you.
About Legal Aid ACT
For further information about Legal Aid ACT, return to the homepage of this website.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
Applying for a grant of legal aid?
If you need more than one-off legal advice, you will need to apply for a grant of legal assistance. Visit Applying for Legal Aid for information provided on our website.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
- Application for Legal Assistance form
- Factsheet: Are you applying for a grant of assistance?
- Factsheet: Filling out the Form - Applying for a Grant of Assistance Guide
Please note that the Application for Legal Assistance form is now available online - Application for Legal Assistance form.
Are you separating or getting a divorced?
Family law is the area of law that deals with family matters such as divorce, property and children. The Family Advocacy Support Service can also provide legal and non-legal assistance if you or a family member have experienced, used or alleged to have used family violence in your relationship and need help with a family law, child protection or family violence order.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
- Family Advocacy and Support Services
- Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Conferences
- Our Family Law Practice
- Are you separated? Do you need to make parenting arrangements?
- Have your current Parenting Orders been contravened?
- Are you separated? Are you in the process of a property settlement?
- Are you getting divorced?
- Are you a grandparent who is raising a grandchild?
- Recovery Orders
- Free Law Directory - free or low-cost legal services in Canberra
Family Violence, Family Violence Orders and Personal Protection Orders
Legal Aid ACT provides a range of legal and non-legal support services for people experiencing or at risk of family violence. Family Violence Orders and Personal Protection Orders are made by the court to protect a person from future assaults, threats of violence, property damage, stalking acts and acts of indecency, harassment and offensive conduct by another person.
The Family Advocacy Support Service can provide legal and non-legal assistance if you or a family member have experienced, used or alleged to have used family violence in your relationship and need help with a family law, child protection or family violence order.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
Police, Crime and Court
If you have been charged with a crime phone our Helpline for a free appointment the lawyer will be able to give you some initial advice and talk to you about what will happen.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
- Our Criminal Law Practice
- Have you been charged with a drink driving offence?
- First time in court? Are you entering a plea of guilty?
- What is a character reference?
- Video: What is the ACT Magistrates Court?
- Video: What is an Associate (ACT Magistrates Court)?
- Video: What is a Duty Lawyer (ACT Magistrates Court)?
- Video: What is the role of the Prosecution (ACT Magistrates Court)?
- Video: What is a 'self-represented' litigant (ACT Magistrates Court)?
Child Protection (CYF)
The four videos below are for families who have been contacted by Child and Youth Protection Services (CYF) and want to know about the steps and their rights.
If you need legal help, call us on 1300 654 314.
- Video 1: The steps of Child and Youth Protection Services - Step 1
- Video 2: The steps of Child and Youth Protection Services - Step 2, 3 and 4
- Video 3: The steps of Child and Youth Protection Services - Step 5 and 6 (part one)
- Video 4: The steps of Child and Youth Protection Services - Step 6 (part two)
Capacity
There is no single legal definition of capacity. The legal definition of capacity depends upon the type of decision being made. There are a variety of legal tests of capacity that are always assessed by reference to the capacity to do something, such as enter into a contract, make a will, or provide instructions to a lawyer.
The ACT Capacity Toolkit is for you if you have concerns about the ability of an adult to make decisions for themselves.
The Capacity Guidelines are for legal practitioners who need to ascertain whether a client has capacity for the decision being made.
Click on the title to download the Toolkit or Guidelines.
Resources for Older People
Legal Aid does not provide assistance in writing wills or administering a deceased estate. However we can give you advice and help you identify issues related to wills and the procedures for the administration of an estate. For specialist legal advice for older people, Legal Aid ACT now has the Older Persons ACT Legal Service.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
- Older Persons ACT Legal Service
- Our Elders
- COVID-19: Staying safe at home
- Are you a grandparent who is raising a grandchild?
- Care for your assets
- Concerned about someone?
- Decision making and your rights
- Do you have a will?
- Do you have adult children living at home?
- Gifts, loans and debts
- Plan for your safety
- What is a guardian? What is a guardianship order?
- Working with older people at risk of abuse
- ACT Capacity Toolkit: A Guide for Assessing Capacity
- Capacity Guidelines: A Practical Guide for Legal Practitioners
Resources for Younger People
The Youth Law Centre is the best place to get information if you are between the ages of 12 and 25. The number to contact the Youth law Centre is (02) 6173 5410.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
Resources for Migrants and Refugees
The Community Liaison Unit helps people in the community access the legal services provided by Legal Aid ACT, other legal services in the ACT and non-legal support services.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
Overview
If you came by boat:
How to Lodge a TPV/SHEV application
- Temporary Protection Visas (TPV)and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas(SHEV)
- How to complete and lodge an application for a protection visa
- How to write a Statement PV
- Attending an interview with Asylum Seekers
- Helping with forms if you are not a Registered Migration Agent
How to lodge a protection visa application
- How to complete and lodge an application for a protection visa
- Completing Form 866 and 1505
- How to write a Statement PV
What to expect at an interview
Refused by the Department
Mandatory Visa Cancellations:
- Mandatory Visa Cancellation - for people who are not Australian citizens and currently serving a prison sentence.
- What to do if your visa has been mandatorily cancelled
Work Problems
Legal Aid ACT operates an employment law clinic. The clinic runs each Friday. If you have been dismissed from work phone our Helpline on 1300 654 314 as soon as you can as short time frames can apply.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
Neighbourhood Disputes
Legal Aid ACT can give legal advice on Neighbourhood disputes. Make a free 30 minute appointment by calling the Helpline on 1300 654 314.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
NDIS
Legal Aid ACT can give legal advice and assistance for both NDIA Reviews and AAT Applications. Call the Helpline on 1300 654 314 to get help.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
Defence and Veterans Legal Service (DAVLS)
Free, independent legal support to participate in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The Defence and Veterans Legal Service (DAVLS) is a free national service that provides independent information and legal advice to support Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans, as well as their families, carers and supporters, to safely share their experiences with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Call the Defence and Veterans Legal Service on 1800 33 1800 or visit their website defenceveteranslegalservice.org.au.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
Cars and Driving
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
Tenancy
Bushfire Resources
These factsheets are designed to help your preparation for bushfire season in the ACT. If you have concerns about bushfire season, how to legally prepare, or what your rights and obligations are, please call the free Legal Aid Helpline on 1300 654 314.
Other Legal Issues
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
Comic Book series
The aim of these Comic Books is to help people to better understand the law on topics that most affect them in a short and easy to read format.
Animated Videos
About Legal Aid ACT
Family Violence
Tenancy
Regular Outreach and Community Legal Education Locations
Do you have a legal problem? Or an issue that could become a legal problem? Come and have a free chat with Legal Aid and find out how to fix it.
Our outreach locations enable Legal Aid ACT to provide a friendly and accessible face to the community while engaging with hard-to-reach and vulnerable community groups such as newly arrived migrants, young people, people at risk of incarceration and older people.
Outreach Locations
Sisters in Spirit Aboriginal Corporation (Unit 4/146 Scollary Street, Greenway)
In-person Legal Help at Sisters in Spirit Aboriginal Corporation. Just drop in every Wednesday, or phone to book an appointment (6257 0794).
- Every Wednesday from 9:30am to 1:30pm
- Wednesday 16 October 2024
- Wednesday 23 October 2024
- Wednesday 30 October 2024
- Wednesday 6 November 2024
- Wednesday 13 November 2024
- Wednesday 20 November 2024
- Wednesday 27 November 2024
- Wednesday 4 December 2024
- Wednesday 11 December 2024
- Wednesday 18 December 2024
Communities at Work Food Pantry Gungahlin (47 Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin)
In-person Legal Help at Communities at Work Food Pantry. No appointment necessary - just drop in!
- Every alternate Monday from 12:30pm to 2:00pm
- Monday 7 October 2024
- Monday 21 October 2024
- Monday 4 November 2024
- Monday 18 November 2024
- Monday 2 December 2024
- Monday 16 December 2024
Meridian Pride Hub (85 Northbourne Avenue, Turner)
In-person Legal Help at Meridian. No appointment necessary – just drop in!
- Every alternate Tuesday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
- Tuesday 1 October 2024
- Tuesday 15 October 2024
- Tuesday 5 November 2024
- Tuesday 19 November 2024
- Tuesday 3 December 2024
- Tuesday 17 December 2024
- Tuesday 7 January 2025
- Tuesday 21 January 2025
Oak's Estate (20 George Street, Oaks Estate)
In-person Legal Help at Oak's Estate. No appointment necessary – just drop in!
- Running once a month from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.
- Wednesday 2 October 2024
- Wednesday 6 November 2024
- Wednesday 4 December 2024
- Wednesday 1 January 2025
Community Corner
In-person Legal Help at different library locations. No appointment necessary – just drop in!
- Community Corner will run between 10:15am to 12:00pm on the following dates:
- Belconnen Library runs on the first Thursday of the month.
- Thursday 5 September 2024
- Thursday 3 October 2024
- Thursday 7 November 2024
- Thursday 5 December 2024
- Dickson Library runs on the second Thursday of the month.
- Thursday 12 September 2024
- Thursday 10 October 2024
- Thursday 14 November 2024
- Thursday 13 December 2024
- Tuggeranong Library runs on the third Thursday of the month.
- Thursday 19 September 2024
- Thursday 17 October 2024
- Thursday 21 November 2024
- Kippax Library runs on the fourth Thursday of the month.
- Thursday 26 September 2024
- Thursday 24 October 2024
- Thursday 28 November 2024
- Woden Library runs on the fifth Thursday of the month.
- Thursday 31 October 2024
Ainslie Village (26 Quick Street, Campbell)
In-person Legal Help at Ainslie Village Main Foyer. No appointment necessary - just drop in!
- Every alternate Thursday from 11:00am to 1:00pm.
- Thursday 10 October 2024
- Thursday 24 October 2024
- Thursday 7 November 2024
- Thursday 21 November 2024
- Thursday 5 December 2024
- Thursday 19 December 2024
- Thursday 2 January 2025
Salvation Army City Branch (1 Elder Street, Braddon)
In-person Legal Help at the Salvation Army Church in Braddon. no appointment necessary - just drop in!
- Every alternate Monday from 11:00am to 1:30pm
- Monday 30 September 2024
- Monday 14 October 2024
- Monday 28 October 2024
- Monday 11 November 2024
- Monday 25 November 2024
- Monday 9 December 2024
- Monday 23 December 2024
Yeddung Mura Aboriginal Corporation (56 Coyne Street, Fadden)
In-person Legal Help at Yeddung Mura Aboriginal Corporation. no appointment necessary - just drop in!
- Every alternate Tuesday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
- Tuesday 8 October 2024
- Tuesday 22 October 2024
- Tuesday 5 November 2024
- Tuesday 19 November 2024
- Tuesday 3 December 2024
- Tuesday 17 December 2024
- Tuesday 31 December 2021
Community at Work Galilee School (244 Kambah Pool Rd, Kambah)
In-person Legal Help at Communities at Work Galilee School. No appointment necessary – just drop in!
- Every alternate Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Community at Work Tuggeranong (245 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway)
In-person Legal Help at Communities at Work Tuggeranong. No appointment necessary – just drop in!
- Every alternate Wednesday from 12:30pm to 2:00pm
- Wednesday 2 October 2024
- Wednesday 16 October 2024
- Wednesday 30 October 2024
- Wednesday 13 November 2024
- Wednesday 27 November 2024
- Wednesday 11 December 2024
Ted Noffs Program For Adolescent Life Management (PALM) (350 Antil Street Watson)
In-person Community Legal Education Sessions and Outreach for residents undergoing treatment at PALM. Sessions take place every Thursday afternoon. These sessions are not open to the general public.
- Every Thursday from 2:30pm to 4:00pm.
Bimberi Youth Justice Centre (Morisset Road, Kenny)
In-person Community Legal Education Sessions and Outreach for students at Murrumbidgee School on alternate Monday afternoons. These sessions are not open to the general public.
- Every fortnight on Monday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, starting from the second week of the month.
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC)
CRCC counselling, crisis appointments and advocacy appointments are available on the phone. A 24-hour callout service to police and forensic services is open for those wishing to report sexual assault.
- Phone: 6247 2525
- Website: https://crcc.org.au/
- Hours of operation: 7:00am to 11:00pm, 7 days a week