Who is eligible for help?
Legal Aid WA aims to provide high-quality legal services to all West Australians. We work to help people get a fair outcome and resolve their legal problems as soon as possible.
Some of our services are available to everyone. Our legal advice and representation services are often in high demand, and we give priority to people who need our help the most.
Contact us to find out how we can help in your situation.
Can everyone get help from Legal Aid WA?
We don’t deal with every type of legal problem and some services are only available to vulnerable or disadvantaged groups in the community. If we cannot help you, we will suggest other places where you can ask for help.
Some of our services give priority to people in special circumstances, including situations where:
- a child is at risk of physical, emotional or psychological harm
- you cannot access legal services because of your location, including being in custody
- you experience (or are at risk of) family violence or abuse
- you need extra help because of physical or mental illness, impairment or disability
- you have language or literacy problems
- your legal problem is very complex or serious.
Are all Legal Aid WA services free?
Many of our services are provided for free or low-cost to everyone, without asking about your personal circumstances. These are often one-time services and there are limits on how much we will do. If you need ongoing representation, you will need to apply for a grant of aid.
Will Legal Aid WA pay for me to have a lawyer?
In many situations, you might not actually need to be given a lawyer. A lot of the time, we can help you through a legal problem by giving legal advice and some minor help. If you are appearing in court, you may be able to get help from a duty lawyer.
In some cases, where extra help is needed, Legal Aid WA can get a lawyer to run your case. There are restrictions on getting a grant of aid for ongoing representation. When you apply, we will ask about your finances. In some situations, we might ask you to pay some of the cost of getting a lawyer for your case.
How can I find out more?
Call the Infoline or contact your nearest Legal Aid WA office to find out what services we offer for your legal problem.
Reviewed: 27 April 2018
