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More Victorians to be supported through legal aid

Date : 18 Jan 2011

Getting legal help will be easier with reforms announced that will allow more Victorians who have equity in their home to apply for support through Victoria Legal Aid.

'From Tuesday 18 January, people with up to $300,000 equity in their home will now be considered for a grant of legal assistance,' said Bevan Warner, Managing Director Victoria Legal Aid.

'Prior to these reforms, a person with more than $100,000 equity in their home was automatically refused assistance.'  

'Lifting the home equity threshold will especially help low income earners and people who may be struggling to pay off their mortgage on the back of rising house prices.'

Mr Warner said some people will still need to contribute to the cost of their legal assistance depending on their financial situation, but that fewer people will be automatically excluded.

'The increased likelihood of obtaining assistance will see more people get help from a lawyer to reach agreement, prepare legal documents and/or represent them in court in family, criminal and civil matters.'

It is expected that these measures, estimated to cost around $1.1 million annually, will help up to 500 more people this year.

Last financial year Victoria Legal Aid helped 87,000 people with legal advice and lawyers at court, arranging individual legal representation for 43,414 clients.

More information

See Funding cases for more information about how decisions are made in granting legal assistance.