Information and Education is delivered in many different 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 to join the monthly CLE Newsletter.
Upcoming Events
Community Legal Education (CLE)
Legal Aid ACT runs free information sessions to help you better understand your legal rights and how the legal system works. If you want to stay informed on upcoming CLE, we now have a monthly CLE newsletter. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, please email community.education@legalaidact.org.au
We deliver talks and information sessions tailored for schools and community groups. We also run information sessions specifically for workers within community organisations such and hospitals and aged-care facilities, so they can better assist clients identify and address legal problems.
- About Legal Aid
- Cybersafety
- Dealing with the police
- Drinking and Drugs law
- Elder abuse
- Employment law
- Family Violence Orders and Personal Protection Orders
- Free legal services in the ACT
- Going to court
- Migration Law
- Neighbourhood disputes
- Separation, divorce and contact with children
- Wills, powers of attorney, and guardianship orders
- Young people and the law
Phone our Helpline on 1300 654 314 to talk about booking us in.
Due to COVID-19, many of our information sessions are taking place online. Please see our Facebook page for updated information and links to join a session here. If you are unsure about how to access, please call our Helpline on 1300 654 314.
Free Information Sessions
Legal Aid ACT hold free information sessions on a range of topics:
- Family Law: Divorce
- Family Law: Property
- Family Law: Children
- Driving under the influence and licensing problems
- Facebook Live Q&A's on various topics including Employment and Tenancy
To find out more about these sessions phone our Helpline on 1300 654 314.
Due to COVID-19, the free information sessions are taking place online. Please see below for our upcoming sessions:
Family Law Information Sessions:
- Divorce: 27 January 2022 at 5:30pm
- Property: 10 February 2022 at 1:00pm
- Children: 24 February 2022 at 5:30pm
- Divorce: 10 March 2022 at 1:00pm
- Property: 24 March 2022 at 5:30pm
- Children: 7 April 2022 at 1:00pm
- Divorce: 21 April 2022 at 5:30pm
- Property: 5 May 2022 at 1:00pm
- Children: 19 May 2022 at 5:30pm
- Divorce: 2 June 2022 at 1:00pm
- Property: 16 June 2022 at 5:30pm
- Children: 30 June 2022 at 1:00pm
DUI Information Sessions:
- 2 February 2022 at 4pm
- 23 February 2022 at 4pm
- 16 March 2022 at 4pm
- 6 April 2022 at 4pm
- 27 April 2022 at 4pm
- 18 May 2022 at 4pm
- 8 June 2022 at 4pm
- 29 June 2022 at 4pm
Call our free Helpline on 1300 654 314 to RSVP for a session. RSVP closes at 5pm the day before a session is scheduled to take place.
Law for Non-Lawyers
Each semester we run a number of training sessions on a range topics aimed at workers in the community sector. Due to COVID-19, the Law for Non-Lawyers series is taking place via Microsoft Teams. Please see our Facebook page for updated information and links to join a session here. If you are unsure about how to access, please call our Helpline on 1300 654 314.
Law for Non-Lawyers: Centrelink and the Law, presented by Canberra Community Law
In this legal training Anusha Goonetilleke, Program Manager and Senior Solicitor at Canberra Community Law will be presenting on Centrelink issues focusing on issues that our clients commonly face. In this presentation, Anusha will cover two modules, firstly an overview of the Disability Support Pension, a common payment but one that is difficult to access and secondly an overview of owing a debt to Centrelink, how this can occur and what options clients have for paying or challenging the debt.
This is a free public event, tailored towards community workers and volunteers.
- Time: 9:30am
- Date: Friday, 11 February 2022
- RSVP: essential via Eventbirte here.
- Cost: Free
Law for Non-Lawyers: Family Violence Law, presented by Legal Aid ACT's Family Violence & Personal Protection Unit
In this session, a family violence lawyer from Legal Aid's Family Violence & Personal Protection Unit will provide an overview of:
- The legal definition of ‘family violence’;
- How the court decides whether to make a Family Violence Order;
- The process of applying for a Family Violence Order;
- How to make referrals to the Domestic Violence and Personal Protection Order Unit at the Magistrates Court; and
- How the Family Advocacy Support Service can help your clients.
This is a free public event, tailored towards community workers and volunteers.
- Time: 9:30am
- Date: Friday, 11 March 2022
- RSVP: essential via Eventbirte here.
- Cost: Free
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.
COVID-19 2021 lockdown
The ACT went into lockdown at 5.00pm Thursday 12 August 2021. The information in these factsheets is subject to change. We will try to keep you updated as things change.
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?
- 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 (CYPS)
The four videos below are for families who have been contacted by Child and Youth Protection Services (CYPS) 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
Legal Aid ACT can give legal advice and assistance to tenants in the ACT through the Tenancy Advice Service ACT. Call the Helpline on 1300 654 314 to get help. See the Tenancy Advice Service ACT page for more information.
Click on the title to download the pamphlet or factsheet.
- Tenancy and COVID-19 (updated 3 September 2021)
- Access and Privacy
- Bond
- Condition Reports
- Ending a Tenancy/Breaking a Lease
- Eviction
- Going to ACAT
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Modifications to Property
- Mould
- Occupancy Agreements
- Pets
- Rent Increases
- Starting a Tenancy
- Sub-letting
- Tenancy, Personal Violence and Family Violence
- Your Rights and Obligations as a Tenant
- ACT Government Factsheets - the ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate provides several of its own factsheets that are regularly updated and explain major changes in the Residential Tenancies Act.
- Tenancy Comic Book - Problems with my Landlord
Useful Documents
- Condition of Premises Report - Condition reports are used as evidence in bond disputes. This 5-page condition report can be used in a tenancy or occupancy. It is available free from www.revenue.act.gov.au
- Standard residential tenancy terms - Schedule 1 - Standard residential tenancy terms - Schedule 1
- Standard Tenancy Agreement 2019 - Standard Tenancy Agreement
Sample Letters
Sample letters are in Word format so you can edit and use them for your own situation
- Sample letters - Access for Purchaser
- Sample letters - Bond Dispute
- Sample letters - Break lease no grounds
- Sample letters - Challenging Notice to Vacate in a fixed term tenancy
- Sample letters - Challenging Notice to Vacate periodic tenancy
- Sample letters - Change to Rent Payment Method
- Sample Letters - Lodgement of Bond
- Sample letters - Notice of Intention to Vacate
- Sample letters - Notice to Remedy Breach
- Sample letters - Outstanding Rent (1)
- Sample letters - Outstanding rent (2)
- Sample letters - Rent Increase
- Sample letters - Repairs
- Sample letters - Termination of periodic tenancy
- Sample letters - Unwanted Access
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
Outreach 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.
Salvation Army City Branch (Braddon)
In-person Legal Help. no appointment necessary - just drop in!
- Monday, 29 November 2021 from 11:30am to 1:30pm
- Monday, 13 December 2021 from 11:30am to 1:30pm
Ainslie Village (Campbell)
Every second Thursday, 10:30am-12:30pm in the Main Entrance Foyer
- Thursday, 18 November 2021, 10:30am-12:30pm
- Thursday, 2 December 2021, 10:30am-12:30pm
- Thursday, 16 December 2021, 10:30am-12:30pm
Southside Locations
Every Friday from 3pm - 4:30pm on the ground floor near Noni B (clothing store).
Communites@Work Community Food Pantry (Tuggeranong)
In-person Legal Help. no appointment necessary - just drop in!
- Wednesday 1 December 2021 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm
- Wednesday, 15 December 2021 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Yeddung Mura Aboriginal Corporation (Faddon)
In-person Legal Help.
- Wednesday 1 December 2021 from 2:30pm to 4:00pm
- Wednesday, 15 December 2021 from 2:30pm to 4:00pm