Do you need legal help after the bushfires?
How we can help
Contact us to get FREE information and advice about your legal issues and options for ongoing assistance.
The 2020 bushfires had a devastating impact on our communities. We know that legal issues arise in the months to follow and long after the fire has passed. Our dedicated bushfire lawyers are here to help with free legal advice and support.
For a free appointment – please call us on 1800 918 377, Monday to Friday, to talk to us about accessing legal assistance. You can also email cls@umfc.com.au and we will respond to your query.
We work closely with and outreach to Bushfire Recovery Hubs in the Alpine and Towong Shires, and have connections with numerous services to help you recover from the bushfires. Get in touch to find out when we will be in your area next.
Are you a fire-affected Small Business owner or Primary Producer?
Call AG-Biz Assist
Website – https://agbizassist.org.au/
Ph: Rural Financial Counselling – 1300 834 775
Ph: Small Business Support – 1300 032 332
Email: info@agbizassist.org.au
NSW
Bushfire Legal Aid Scheme
Assisting small businesses and primary producers is new for Legal Aid NSW. This initiative complements the ongoing work of the Disaster Response Legal Service, which is continuing to provide legal services to individuals, including outreach in communities affected by disasters.
More information
- To learn more about the Bushfire Legal Aid Scheme, read the guide for clients.
- If you have an enquiry about the scheme, email disaster.response@legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call the Disaster Response Legal Service hotline on 1800 801 529
Victoria
Disaster Legal Help Victoria
The Disaster Legal Help team is a joint initiative of the Law Institute of Victoria, Justice Connect, the Federation of Community Legal Centres and the Victorian Bar to provide free legal advice and referrals to disaster affected families.
- Please visit their website at https://www.disasterlegalhelp.org.au/ or call 1800 113 432
More information
Gippsland Community Legal Service has developed a video explaining, Stay or Go: Evacuation Orders in Fire Emergencies in Victoria, please click to view.
Common legal problems related to bushfire impact
- Insurance
- Judgment debt options
- Managing debt
- Parenting, property and child support
- Property
- Replacing lost or destroyed title documents
- Storms, floods, insurance and you
- Tenancy
- Utilities
- Power outages
- Accommodation
- Being legally prepared
- CFA compensation scheme
- Challenging a Centrelink decision
- Deceased estates
- Early access to superannuation
- Emergency and crises assistance
- Employment and small business
- Fencing
- Getting a personal hardship prepaid card
