Issues related to the care of children following a family breakdown were the most common subject for assistance by Legal Aid NSW lawyers in Orange in the last financial year.
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Of the 1242 free legal services given to people in Orange by the organisation, 196 were for the family matters.
It was followed by debts, which had 162 services, and was the most in demand issue the previous financial year with 241 services.
In the 2016/17 financial year, the third most in demand topic was driving and traffic offences, which had 101 services given, up slightly from 94 the previous financial year.
Legal Aid NSW Orange solicitor in charge Peter Ringbauer said the lawyers provided 2455 advice and assistance services last financial year across the Central West, including Orange, Parkes, Forbes, Cowra, Bathurst, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo.
Across that region he said issues around debt remained the most common issue raised in legal advice sessions, accounting for about 20 per cent of all services.
“These services are provided free of charge to everyone who needs them, and can go a long way to helping people resolve their legal problems quickly and without the need to go to court,” Mr Ringbauer said.
“Perhaps you're renting and the landlord is ignoring important repairs around your home, or you have recently separated from a partner and want to understand what this will mean for you and your kids. Maybe you've been sold a lemon or are struggling to stay on top of bills.
“Whatever your legal situation, our lawyers are on hand to help.”
In the 2015 to 2016 financial year the second biggest demand for Legal Aid assistance in Orange after debt was issues related to the care of children following family breakdown such as where they live and which family members or other loved ones they spend time with, and 144 services were given.
Consumer issues was the third highest with 99 services given, for advice on payday loans, problems with insurance, or difficulty with a phone contract or products purchased from a store.
Orange-based Legal Aid NSW lawyers also provide services at local, children’s and district courts in Orange, Bathurst, Blayney, Forbes and Parkes.
