legal options

assess | advise | refer

FAQ’s:

Q. I just want some information; can you help me?
A. Yes. At legal options we provide people with information about how the law applies to their situation. We empower people with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about matters that affect them. We will advise you of your rights under the law and the options available to you. There is no pressure for you to take matters further. What you do next is entirely up to you.

Q. I don’t know if I need a lawyer; can you tell me?
A. Yes. At legal options we believe instructing a lawyer should be a matter of informed choice not just a matter of course. We recognise not all disputes require immediate legal intervention and some may not require it at all. We are qualified to advise on the complexities of your case and the most appropriate forum for resolution. If we determine your issues are complex or urgent we will immediately refer you to a suitably qualified lawyer. In some circumstances there may be some preliminary steps you can take yourself before instructing a lawyer.

Q. Do I need to see you if I already know that I need a lawyer?
A. Yes. We can help you identify the lawyer best suited to your needs. Sometimes people have to change their lawyer part way through a dispute because their lawyer does not have the required expertise to deal with their case. At legal options we aim to reduce this occurrence by ensuring that people instruct the right lawyer in the first instance. You will not be doubling up by seeing us first. When you are referred to a lawyer by legal options your lawyer will gain the benefit of our initial involvement by receiving our preliminary information sheet and a summary of the legal and factual issues. We can save you time and money in the long run.

Q. Why would I pay for your service when I could get the same information from the community law centre for free?
A. At legal options you will meet with a qualified lawyer who will be able to independently advise you of your rights under the law and the options available for resolution. At a community law centre you usually meet with a law student who then consults with the lawyer on duty and acts as an intermediary relaying information back to you. At legal options you will have a scheduled appointment for a full hour. It is often busy at the community law centre, you may have to wait for some time before seeing someone and there may be time restrictions.

Q. I would like to apply for legal aid but do not know if I qualify; can you help me?
A. Yes. We can assess the likelihood of your entitlement to legal aid and help you to complete the application. Click here to obtain more information on legal aid and see the list of documents you need to bring with you if you would like to apply for legal aid.

Q. Can legal options represent me in court?
A. No. Where required we will refer you to a lawyer who will represent you in court or we can assist you to represent yourself.

Q. I would like to represent myself in court; can you help me with this process?
A. Yes. The decision to represent yourself should not be taken lightly. There are a number of factors to be considered and we recommend you read our information sheet for self-litigants if you are considering this option.

Q. Can I see legal options more than once?
A. Yes. You will however be required to pay a consultation fee on each visit. The first appointment is for a minimum of one hour. Subsequent consultations will be charged at the half hourly rate. See our fees page for more information on our fees.

Q. Can legal options give me some advice over the telephone?
A. No. We do not give advice over the telephone.

Q. Can legal options draft my will?
A. No. We can refer you to a lawyer for that purpose or you can visit the Public Trust for further information.