I JUST HAVE A QUICK QUESTION. CAN YOU HELP?
We are unable to answer any questions relating to your legal or financial matter over the phone or by email. Appointments need to be made to see a solicitor or financial counsellor.
The Night Clinic on Thursday nights is designed for people who work and cannot get to an appointment during the day. This is only for quick simple questions.
I HAVE A DOCUMENT THAT I NEED SIGNED BY A LAWYER. CAN YOU DO IT?
We cannot sign documents that require independent legal advice because there is not enough time available for our lawyers to sufficiently familarise themselves with matters to the extent where they could responsibly sign off. We can, however, witness some sorts of documents which need to be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or solicitor; such as affidavits.
CAN YOU REPRESENT ME IN COURT?
NO! We can tell you about what to expect when you go to court or tribunal and the processes you need to go through but cannot go to court with you on the day.
DOES YOUR SERVICE COST ANYTHING?
We provide free legal advice and financial counselling to the Gold Coast community. You will not be charged for using our service at any stage of your matter.
CAN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
Checklist to make an appointment:
- You live on the Gold Coast
- Your legal problem is within Queensland
- Your legal matter is one which we deal with (not on our excluded list of legal issues)
- The other party to your matter is not a client of ours (conflict of interest)
If all of these boxes are ticked then an appointment can be made for you, if available.
HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Our appointment books are only open ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE. Please do not ask for or expect to be able to book an appointment for longer than a weeks time.
Appointment availability varies on each solicitor's duties. Each solicitor generally has 8 appointments each day. Appointments tend to book up very quickly - by the afternoon there are no appointments left. We recommend calling in the morning to book an appointment to avoid disappointment.
If no appointments are available because they are all booked up - you will be told to ring the next day when new appointment sheets are available.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE WITH A SOLICITOR?
You will have around 30 minutes with a solicitor. If more time is needed the solicitor will tell you to book another appointment.
I'M NOT HAPPY WITH MY CURRENT LAWYER. CAN I GET A SECOND OPINION FROM YOU?
If you are having trouble communicating with your lawyer or feel that the service you are being provided is unfair for some reason you can come and see us. Complaints about lawyers can be made through the Legal Services Commission.
if you have received advice from a lawyer and have a current client agreement then we cannot double check the advice of you lawyer or provide you with a second opinion.
IS THERE PARKING AT YOUR OFFICE?
Southport office:
There is meter parking in Rawlins Street and Bay Street outside our Southport office. This costs $1.40/hour.
Outreach centres:
Since each of the outreach centres are operating out of a community centre of some kind, there is parking available at each of the centres in a designated free car park.
WILL I HAVE TO WAIT LONG AT THE NIGHT CLINIC?
For most clients there will be a waiting period. Doors open at 5pm and each client is seen on a "first come first served" basis.
WILL I DEFINITELY BE SEEN?
The Night Clinic is limited to the number of clients which can be seen. If you arrive after the limit is reached you will be offered an appointment, if available, or told to ring the next day to make an appointment.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
You need to bring any paperwork you have related to your legal or financial problem. Bring charge sheets, letters between you and the other party, contracts, court documents and anything else that is relevant. For financial appointments, relevant bills, letters of demand, bank statements etc are helpful.
IS THERE A MEANS TEST?
We do not apply a means test to our clients. However, for statistical purposes and to meet our funding requirements we ask clients to disclose income levels (low, medium or high).
