I need a lawyer but can’t afford one — what are my options?

Legal problems are stressful enough without worrying about how to pay for a lawyer. The good news is: free legal help exists for Aboriginal people in Victoria. Here’s where to go.

Step 1: VALS — Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service — 1800 641 072

VALS is the main free legal service for Aboriginal people in Victoria. They handle:

• Criminal law
• Family law
• Civil law
• Discrimination
• Complaints against police

If you’re Aboriginal, VALS is free. No one should be charging you for legal help if you’re Aboriginal — that’s the law.

Call them first. Tell them your situation and what kind of legal matter you have. They’ll tell you whether they can help or refer you to someone who can.

Step 2: Swan Hill Community Legal Centre — (03) 5032 1688

Swan Hill CLC provides free legal help for community members in the Mallee region. They can help with:

• Tenancy and housing law
• Fines
• Consumer law
• Debt
• Some family law matters
• General legal advice

They’re not a law firm — they’re a community legal centre. But they can help with many common legal problems and can refer you to a lawyer if you need one.

Swan Hill CLC is free. They won’t charge you.

Step 3: Legal Aid Victoria — 1800 677 402

Legal Aid Victoria provides legal help for people who can’t afford a lawyer. They assess people based on income and the type of matter. They can help with:

• Family law (children, property, family violence intervention orders)
• Criminal law
• Some civil matters

They’ll assess your situation and may assign you a lawyer or give you legal advice.

Step 4: Don’t try to handle serious legal matters alone

This is important: if you’re facing serious criminal charges, family law proceedings, or anything involving custody of children — do not try to handle it alone. Get help from VALS or Swan Hill CLC immediately.

Courts expect people to have legal representation. Going alone puts you at a significant disadvantage. Even a phone call to VALS before a court date can help.

Step 5: For tenancy problems — Tenancy Union Victoria

If your problem is about renting — your landlord is trying to evict you, they’re not fixing things, your bond is being withheld — the Tenancy Union can help: 1300 788 648. They’re free and specialise in tenancy law.

Step 6: For fines — Swan Hill CLC can help with Work and Development Orders

If you have fines you can’t pay, Swan Hill CLC can help you apply for a Work and Development Order (WDO) — you do community work instead of paying fines. This is a genuine lifeline for people who are doing it tough. Don’t let fines build up to the point where your driver’s licence is suspended — act early.

Step 7: What to bring when you get legal help

When you call or visit a legal service, have ready:

• Any letters or documents related to your legal problem
• Dates of events
• Names of people involved
• Your Centrelink CRN (income affects legal aid eligibility)
• Any relevant evidence

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything — they can still help you.

Key numbers

• 1800 641 072 — VALS (Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service — free for Aboriginal people)
• (03) 5032 1688 — Swan Hill CLC (free)
• 1800 677 402 — Legal Aid Victoria
• 1300 788 648 — Tenancy Union Victoria (free)