Legal Advice

Matters often arise which require a legal opinion. Brief, free and low cost assistance is available from a range of services.

Legal advisory service

The Legal Services Commision of Australia
Offers free advice to the general public on most legal matters at any of its suburban and regional offices.
Legal representation is subject to certain restrictions and to means and merit tests. Interpreters are available on request.

Community legal centres
Provide advice and representation for disadvantaged clients at numerous locations around Australia.

Rural centres exist in Port Pirie, Mt Gambier, Port Augusta and Berri. For more details, contact Seniors Information Service or visit www.saccls.org.au

JusticeNet SA
Harnesses the resources of a network of member lawyers to provide free legal help to individuals and charitable not for profit organisations that cannot afford a lawyer. Tel. 8303 5005

The Law Society of SA
Offers legal advice at a nominal fee on Monday and Wednesday 5.30pm - 7pm. Tel. 8229 0222 for an appointment.
Its Referral Service is a free service and provides referrals to solicitors according to specific areas of law, geographic locations, languages, the First Interview Scheme, home or hospital visits, etc.

Minor civil claims (up to $6000)
A free service run by law students at the Adelaide Magistrates Court, 260-280 Victoria Square. The service offers legal advice, help with letters and draft documents, advice on alternatives to litigation and preparation for court appearances. Tel. 8204 2444 if you have any questions or wish to make an appointment.

Magistrates, Youth and Family Law Court duty solicitors
Help people who are appearing in court on that day to apply for or change bail, apply for legal aid or adjourn a case to allow more time to prepare.

Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc.
Provides a legal service to Aboriginal people and their communities. There is a 24-hour service for emergencies, legal advice and help with preparing documents among other services. Tel. 1800 643 222 local free call.
Offices are located in Adelaide, Murray Bridge, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and Ceduna.

Women’s Legal Service SA Inc.
Provide legal advice, referral and ongoing legal assistance by telephone or face-to-face by appointment. An Indigenous Women’s Program provides court support, legal advice and referral for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

The Rural Women’s Outreach Service (a program of the Women's Legal Service)
Based in Port Augusta, provides legal information, advice, assistance, referral and, where possible, representation in court.

Community Mediation Services

Many problems with neighbours, clubs, landlords or extended family can be resolved or avoided by maintaining clear communication. Legal action may make relations worse and should only be taken as a last resort. It is generally advisable to come to an agreement or compromise with the other party personally or with the help of an impartial mediator. Community Mediation Services can help the parties to a dispute to come to a resolution without causing unnecessary stress, without the costs of going to court and without taking sides.

Mediation services are free. Tel. 8350 0376, 1300 302 502 (local call fee) for information and advice. If an appointment is required you will be directed to the service a local service near you.

COTA Seniors Voice 
A solicitor is available to provide free brief advice on general legal matters, simple wills and powers of attorney. Fees are charged for preparation of wills and other services.

Ombudsman Services

Commonwealth Ombudsman
Investigates complaints against administrative actions of Commonwealth government departments and certain prescribed Commonwealth authorities.

State Ombudsman
Assists clients with complaints about the administrative actions of a State government agency or authority, or local government council.

Superannuation Complaints Tribunal

Office of the Health & Community Services Complaints Commissioner (HCSCC)
Provides assistance with resolution of complaints about public, private, non-government health and community services.

Advocacy Services

Aged Rights Advocacy Service Inc.
Free, confidential and independent service assisting older people who are receiving community-based care services, living in a residential aged care facility, receiving community aged care packages or are at risk of, or are, experiencing abuse.
Provides information about rights and responsibilities, support to help resolve concerns and advocate on behalf of the aged.

Welfare Rights Centre (SA)
A community legal service that provides information, advice, advocacy and representation in the area of Social Security law.

Publication

South Australian Seniors and the Law  AN INFORMATION GUIDE.

This booklet is designed to inform you of common legal issues and disputes you might face and provide contacts for information and assistance.  The information contained in this product is for information only, and is not to be relied upon as legal advice.

Interpreting

All courts, the Legal Services Commission and most community services can arrange for an interpreter to be present at conferences, hearings or appointments for any person who has difficulty speaking or understanding English.