Apply for Legal Help - Individuals • Law Access Western Australia

Recommended browsers for this form are Chrome or Firefox. The minimum browser and system requirements to view our website and use the online application form is Windows 10 with Microsoft Edge.

If you are uploading multiple documents, please be aware that the total document upload limit for this form is 40MB.

Completing the application form

Please note it will take about 20 minutes to complete the form, please have all your documents with you to help you complete the form (e.g. payslips, bank statements, court dates, relevant court documents, etc.).

There is a lot of information required in the form, however we need all of this information to completely assess your application.
We cannot assess your application unless you upload your relevant documents.

Please keep in mind that the form does not auto-save so will need to be completed in one sitting. You will get an acknowledgement and a copy of your application after you submit.

Our assessment process

We will assess your application based on the information you provide. If you do not provide enough information we will reject your application.
Please update us with important matters regarding your legal case (such as new orders being made, or a hearing date being set) by email. We ask that you do not contact us frequently, as we are a small office, and it slows down our ability to assess your matter, and other people's. For that reason, we cannot see you in person.

For Family Law and Protection and Care applicants

Applicants with protection and care matters should proceed to the application form.

For all other family law applicants, please read our information sheet before submitting an application.

Our referral process

If your matter is eligible for referral, we will try to find a lawyer who can help you. We are dependent on a member of the legal profession being available and willing to assist, so there is no guarantee that we will be able to find you a lawyer.

Law Access does not, by referring a client or a matter to a particular legal practitioner, law firm or community legal centre, warrant the services of that practitioner, firm or centre.

It is important that you continue to meet all court commitments or commence any necessary legal action within statutory time limits, even if you have submitted an application to Law Access.
Privacy Policy*
Our Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose and manage your personal information with a view to safeguarding your privacy.
- I have read and understood the Law Access Privacy Policy.

Email Address
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
You must have an email address to submit an online application form.If you do no not have an email address or access to the internet, you have two options:

1. Download a hard copy application form, complete and post it to us.

2. Seek help from community service providers who may be able to make a warm referral to Law Access on your behalf using the Refer a Matter form on this website.

It is important that you continue to meet all court commitments or commence any necessary legal action within statutory time limits, even if you have submitted an application to Law Access.

Legal assistance
Do you currently have a lawyer helping you with your matter?*
- Yes
- No
Please note: In order to be eligible for assistance, you must demonstrate that you are unable to afford the services of a lawyer.

If you currently have a lawyer helping you, we cannot consider your application unless your current lawyer makes a referral to Law Access.

Assistance from Legal Aid WA or a Community Legal Centre

Law Access is a service of last resort.
Have you sought assistance from Legal Aid WA or a Community Legal Centre?*
- Yes
- No
If no:

Please try to obtain legal assistance from Legal Aid or from a Community Legal Centre (CLC) before making an application to Law Access as we are a service of last resort.

Legal Aid WA

Infoline: 1300 650 579

Find out more information about how to get legal help from Legal Aid WA: www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/get-legal-help

Find out more information about answers to your legal questions: www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/find-legal-answers

Find legal resources including self-help kits and guides: www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/resources

Community Legal WA

Community Legal WA is an independent community-based organisations that provide free, or low cost legal help primarily for people who are ineligible for legal aid and who are unable to afford the services of a private lawyer.

There are 28 community based, CLCs are located throughout metropolitan, regional and remote Western Australia. You can visit their website https://www.communitylaw.net/clcs to find a directory of CLCs near you.

Assistance from Legal Aid WA or a community legal centre continued
Legal Aid WA
If you have been refused help by Legal Aid please select a reason why.
- Lack of merit
- Matter type not within Legal Aid's guidelines
- Your financial situation
If Legal Aid have refused your application have you appealed the Legal Aid decision?*
- Yes
- No
If Legal Aid was refused please upload a copy of the refusal letter.

Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Community Legal Centre
Please provide which Community Legal Centre(s) you have sought assistance from, what help they gave you, and why they cannot assist you further?

Your financial circumstances
What was your taxable income in the last 12 months?*
Are you employed?*
- Yes
- No
When were you last employed?*
In what capacity are you employed?*
- Casual
- Full-time (casual)
- Part-time (permanent)
- Full-time (permanent)
- Part-time (seasonal)
- Other
If other, please specify
Please upload your most recent payslip.
Alternatively, you can also email or post copies of your documents to Law Access.

Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).

Your legal matter
Has a lawyer previously helped you with this legal matter?*
- Yes
- No
If a lawyer has helped you please provide their details (name and firm name) and explain why they are no longer assisting you.
Have you made an application to Law Access before?*
- Yes
- No

Your legal matter continued
What is the area of law you need assistance in?*
- Family Law
- Criminal Law
- Migration Law
- Civil Law
- I am unsure what area of law I need help with

Information required for family law assistance
Please provide details of the other party
Full Name*
Date of birth*
Date Format: DD slash MM slash YYYY
Name of their lawyer (if any)*
Date of commencement of cohabitation*
The date you and your ex-partner commenced living together.
Date Format: DD slash MM slash YYYY
Date of marriage (if applicable)
Date Format: DD slash MM slash YYYY
Date of separation
Date Format: DD slash MM slash YYYY
Date of divorce (if applicable)
Date Format: DD slash MM slash YYYY
Names and dates of birth of child or children of the relationship. (Write none if you have no children.)*
Please tell us what type of matter you have.*
- Parenting and property matter
- Parenting matter only (including care and protection matters)
- Property matter only
- Other
If other, please specify

Information about your parenting and property matter
How did you and your former partner organise and care for the child/ children during the relationship?
i.e. shared responsibilities, one party stayed at home to care for the children, etc.
What are the current living and contact arrangements for the child/children?
What is the disagreement about the current arrangement?
If there are Court proceedings, please provide the following documents:

- Copies of Form 1, Form 1A and any supporting affidavits

- Copy of the most recent Orders made by the Court. If the Court has made an order scheduling a hearing in the future, please also provide a copy of that Order.
You can upload the files below.

Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
Has an Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) been appointed?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, provide the name of the ICL
Is there a Court consultant report?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please upload a copy of the report.
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Is the Department of Communities involved?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please upload any relevant documents including letters from the Department to you and to the Court.
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
Has a Form 4 Notice of Risk been filed?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, upload a copy of the Form 4 and copies of supporting documents provided to the Court.
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
What is the outcome you hope to achieve through legal assistance?
- I understand my application may be rejected if I do not upload the relevant documents.

Information about your property matter
List the current assets and liabilities of you and your former partner. This must include any money in bank accounts, cash, shares, motor vehicles, superannuation, real and personal property.
Liabilities should include any money owed under a mortgage, credit card or as a debt. If a company or trust is under the control of you or your former partner, then those assets and liabilities should also be included.
What assets and liabilities did you and your former partner have at the commencement of the relationship?
What financial contributions did each of you make during the relationship?
i.e. Did one or both of you work? Did either of you receive any gifts, inheritances, compensation payments or make any other major financial contributions during the relationship?
What homemaker and non financial contributions did each of you make?
i.e. How did you arrange your home life with child care, cooking, cleaning, home maintenance etc?
If there are any Court proceedings, you need to provide the following documents:

- Copies of Form 1 and Form 1A

- Copies of Form 13 for both you and your former partner

- Copies of any Affidavits filed

- Copy of the most recent Orders made by the Court. If the Court has made an order scheduling a hearing in the future, please also provide a copy of that Order.
You can upload the files below.
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
What is the outcome you hope to achieve through legal assistance?
I have not uploaded my relevant documents.
- I understand my application may be rejected if I do not provide relevant documents.

Information about your parenting matter only
How did you and your former partner organise and care for the child/ children during the relationship?
i.e. shared responsibilities, one party stayed at home to care for the children, etc.
What are the current living and contact arrangements for the child/children?
What is the disagreement about the current arrangement?
If there are Court proceedings, please provide the following documents:

- Copies of Form 1, Form 1A and any supporting affidavits

- Copy of the most recent Orders made by the Court. If the Court has made an order scheduling a hearing in the future, please also provide a copy of that Order.
You can upload the files below.
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
Has an Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) been appointed?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, provide the name of the ICL
Is there a Court consultant report?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please upload a copy of the report.
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Is the Department of Communities involved?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, upload any relevant documents including letters from the Department to you and to the Court.
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Has a Form 4 Notice of Risk been filed?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, upload a copy the Form 4 and copies of supporting documentation provided to the Court.
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
What is the outcome you hope to achieve through legal assistance?
I have not uploaded my relevant documents. I will email copies to lawaccess@lawaccess.org.au or post copies of my documents within 7 days of submitting my application to Law Access PO Box Z5345, Perth WA 6831.
- I understand my application cannot be processed until you have received them.

Information required for criminal law assistance
Are there current court proceedings?*
- No
- Yes

Detailed statement regarding your criminal law matter

If you prefer, write 'PLEASE SEE ATTACHED' in the text boxes below and attach a separate statement.
Please provide a detailed history of the matter, the current situation, and the outcome you hope to achieve through legal assistance.
If you prefer, write 'PLEASE SEE ATTACHED' in the text boxes below and attach a separate statement.
Please upload copies of relevant documentation (including separate detailed statement, if applicable).
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
I have not uploaded my relevant documents. I will email copies to lawaccess@lawaccess.org.au or post copies of my documents within 7 days of submitting my application to Law Access PO Box Z5345, Perth WA 6831.
- I understand my application cannot be processed until you have received them.

Details of your court proceedings
Next court date
Date Format: DD slash MM slash YYYY
Court location
Which court are you appearing in
Your role in the proceedings
What is the next court appearance type
Please upload the following relevant documents:

- Statement of material facts in relation to all charges

- Criminal and/or traffic record (if any)

- Prosecution notice

- Charge sheets

- Other relevant documents (e.g. bail undertakings)
You can upload the files below.
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
I have not uploaded my relevant documents. I will email copies to lawaccess@lawaccess.org.au or post copies of my documents within 7 days of submitting my application to Law Access PO Box Z5345, Perth WA 6831.
- I understand my application cannot be processed until you have received them.
Are there other parties involved in this matter (co-accused, complainant or appellant)?*
- Yes
- No

Details of your court proceedings continued
Please provide details of the other party or parties involved in this matter.*
Include the following information for each party:

- First name and family name

- Date of birth (if known)

- Name of their lawyer (if any)
Their role in matter*
- Co-accused
- Complainant
- Appellant

Details of your court proceedings continued
Which court or tribunal is this matter proceeding in?*
- Magistrates Court
- Children’s Court
- President - Children's Court
- District Court
- Supreme Court
- Court of Appeal
- Federal Court
Are you seeking legal assistance for an appeal?*
- Yes
- No
Who was the lawyer that represented you at trial?
What was the date of the original decision?
Date Format: DD slash MM slash YYYY

Details of the appeal
What are you seeking legal assistance for?*
- Appeal from a Superior Court
- Appeal from a Magistrates Court
- Responding to a Crown Appeal
- Appeal to the High Court
Is your appeal against:*
- Conviction
- Sentence
- Conviction & sentence
Please briefly explain the conviction or sentence you are appealing.
Please upload any relevant documents (for example, the decision you are appealing).
Alternatively, you can also email or post copies of your documents to Law Access.

Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
I have not uploaded my relevant documents. I will email copies to lawaccess@lawaccess.org.au or post copies of my documents within 7 days of submitting my application to Law Access PO Box Z5345, Perth WA 6831.
- I understand my application cannot be processed until you have received them.

Information required for migration law assistance
What is your migration matter about?*
- I have applied for a protection visa in Australia
- My visa has been refused or cancelled on character grounds
- Another migration issue (Please provide further information in your answer about the history of your matter on the next page)

If you have applied for a protection visa in Australia
Please upload the following documents:

- Your Refusal Notification and Decision from the Department of Home Affairs

- Your decision from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or the Immigration Assessment Authority (if you have one)

- Your Federal Circuit Court Application and Supporting Affidavit which have been stamped by the Court (if you have them)

- Your Federal Court Application and Supporting Documents which have been stamped by the Court (if you have them)

Please note: we understand that not all the documents will apply to your situation. If you do not have some of the documents, you can still submit your application to Law Access.
Upload documents

Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
I have not uploaded my relevant documents. I will email copies to lawaccess@lawaccess.org.au or post copies of my documents within 7 days of submitting my application to Law Access PO Box Z5345, Perth WA 6831.
- I understand my application cannot be processed until you have received them.

If your visa has been refused or cancelled on character grounds

Law Access does not usually assist with applications for help with immigration decisions to refuse or cancel a visa on character grounds. In most cases, we can only provide information to help you represent yourself.

In some very limited circumstances, we may try to find a lawyer to provided additional help. However, we cannot guarantee we will be successful in doing so.
If you wish to proceed, please upload the following documents:

- Your Notification about Visa Refusal or Cancellation from the Department of Home Affairs

- Your request to the Department of Home Affairs about why your visa should not be refused / cancelled

- Your decision from the Minister’s delegate (if you have one)

- Your decision from the Minister (if you have one)

- Your decision from the AAT (if you have one)

- Your Federal Court Application and Support Affidavit which has been stamped by the Court (if you have them)
Upload documents

Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
I have not uploaded my relevant documents. I will email copies to lawaccess@lawaccess.org.au or post copies of my documents within 7 days of submitting my application to Law Access PO Box Z5345, Perth WA 6831.
- I understand my application cannot be processed until you have received them.

If you have another migration issue
Please upload the following documents:

- Your Refusal Notification and Decision from the Department of Home Affairs

- Your decision from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (if you have one)

- Your Federal Circuit Court Application and Supporting Affidavit which have been stamped by the Court (if you have them)

- Your Federal Court Application and Supporting Documents which have been stamped by the Court (if you have them)

Please note: we understand that not all the documents will apply to your situation. If you do not have some of the documents, you can still submit your application to Law Access.
Upload documents
Alternatively, you can also email or post copies of your documents to Law Access.

Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
I have not uploaded my relevant documents. I will email copies to lawaccess@lawaccess.org.au or post copies of my documents within 7 days of submitting my application to Law Access PO Box Z5345, Perth WA 6831.
- I understand my application cannot be processed until you have received them.

Detailed statement regarding your migration matter
Please provide a detailed history of the matter, the current situation, and the outcome you hope to achieve through legal assistance.
If you prefer, write 'PLEASE SEE ATTACHED' in the text boxes below and attach a separate statement.
Upload copies of relevant documentation (including separate detailed statement, if applicable)
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
I have not uploaded my relevant documents. I will email copies to lawaccess@lawaccess.org.au or post copies of my documents within 7 days of submitting my application to Law Access PO Box Z5345, Perth WA 6831.
- I understand my application cannot be processed until you have received them.

Detailed statement regarding your matter
Please provide a detailed history of the matter, the current situation, and the outcome you hope to achieve through legal assistance.
If you prefer, write 'PLEASE SEE ATTACHED' in the text boxes below and attach a separate statement.
Copies of relevant documentation (including separate detailed statement, if applicable).

Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
Are there any current court proceedings in relation to your matter?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please provide next court or tribunal date.
Date Format: DD slash MM slash YYYY
Please provide details of the other party or parties (if applicable).
Include the following information for each party:

- First name and family name

- Date of birth (if known)

- Name of their lawyer (if any)
If there are current court proceedings, please provide the Court or Tribunal name and the type of proceeding
(e.g. Hearing, Directions, or Trial)
If there are current court proceedings, please provide a copy of the most recent Orders made by the Court or Tribunal. If the Court or Tribunal has made an order scheduling a hearing in the future, please also provide a copy of that Order.
Preferred filetype(s): pdf and word format (no images).
Drop files here or
I have not uploaded my relevant documents. I will email copies to lawaccess@lawaccess.org.au or post copies of my documents within 7 days of submitting my application to Law Access PO Box Z5345, Perth WA 6831.
- I understand my application cannot be processed until you have received them.

Permission and acknowledgement
Permission to Share Information*

In order to make the provision of pro-bono services more efficient, Law Access needs the ability to share information about your matter with other lawyers and legal organisations in some circumstances.

I give my permission for Law Access to share with other lawyers, community legal centres and probono organisations, my name and information about my case (including documents).
Permission to Provide Information*

I/We hereby AUTHORISE and REQUEST any lawyer who has acted for me/us, the Legal Aid Commission, the Legal Profession Complaints Committee and any Court or Tribunal to provide Law Access any information and documents it may request in order to assist Law Access to assess this Application.
Full name*
Signature*
Acknowledgement*

I ACKNOWLEDGE that:

1. Law Access does not grant assistance to applicants but merely acts as an intermediary between the public and the legal profession.

2. Law Access does not act as my solicitor.

3. I remain responsible for meeting all Court commitments or commencing all legal action within the statutory limits.

4. It is my responsibility to negotiate the terms upon which I engage any firm introduced to me by Law Access.

5. I am not relying upon Law Access Limited (known as Law Access) or its Principal Lawyer to provide legal advice or legal representation and no cause of action in negligence in respect of the provision of legal advice or representation arises from the consideration or processing of this Application.

6. Providing false or misleading information to Law Access will result in rejection of my application.

7. If Law Access has referred me to a pro bono lawyer who discovers that I have provided false or misleading information to Law Access then the pro bono lawyer will terminate their assistance immediately.
Full name*
Signature*
Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Apply for Legal Help – Individuals

Step 1 of 28

Completing the application form

Our assessment process

For Family Law and Protection and Care applicants

Our referral process

Email Address

Legal assistance

Assistance from Legal Aid WA or a Community Legal Centre

Law Access is a service of last resort.

If no:

Legal Aid WA

Community Legal WA

Assistance from Legal Aid WA or a community legal centre continued

Legal Aid WA

Community Legal Centre

Personal details

Home address

Postal address (if different to home address)

Phone number

Do you have a support person assisting you with your matter OR do you have a support person you would like us to speak to on your behalf?

Your financial circumstances

Your financial circumstances continued

Please list all weekly income (after tax) received by you and any person who supports you financially.

You

Other Person

What are your weekly housing costs?

If you or any person who supports you financially pay any of the following please enter the weekly amount

What is the value of any assets you (or any person who supports you financially) have?

Your legal matter

Your legal matter continued

Information required for family law assistance

Please provide details of the other party

Information about your parenting and property matter

If there are Court proceedings, please provide the following documents:

Information about your property matter

If there are any Court proceedings, you need to provide the following documents:

Information about your parenting matter only

If there are Court proceedings, please provide the following documents:

Information required for criminal law assistance

Detailed statement regarding your criminal law matter

Details of your court proceedings

Please upload the following relevant documents:

Details of your court proceedings continued

Details of your court proceedings continued

Details of the appeal

Information required for migration law assistance

If you have applied for a protection visa in Australia

Please upload the following documents:

If your visa has been refused or cancelled on character grounds

If you wish to proceed, please upload the following documents:

If you have another migration issue

Please upload the following documents:

Detailed statement regarding your migration matter

Detailed statement regarding your matter

Law Access

Permission and acknowledgement