Yes. Free legal help about debt is available through several organisations in Australia. You do not need to pay a lawyer to get good initial advice about your rights and options.
Where to find free legal help:
- Community Legal Centres (CLCs) — independent, not-for-profit organisations that provide free legal advice and assistance to people in financial difficulty. Most states and territories have multiple CLCs. Find your nearest one at communitylegalcentres.org.au or nationalclc.org.au.
- Legal Aid commissions — each state and territory has a Legal Aid commission that provides free or subsidised legal services, including advice about debt. Eligibility criteria apply, but initial advice is often free. Search "[your state] Legal Aid" to find the relevant body.
- Law society referral services — the Law Society in each state can refer you to a solicitor for a discounted or free initial consultation. This is useful if your situation is complex or has court dimensions.
- National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) — financial counsellors at the helpline can also refer you to legal assistance if your situation has legal dimensions beyond financial counselling.
- LawAccess NSW / Law Assist (WA) / similar — some states have specific legal information services staffed by lawyers that provide free telephone advice.
Getting legal advice does not mean you are starting a fight — it means you understand your position before making decisions. We support people seeking independent advice.
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