Orange City Library will host a special presentation by Legal Aid lawyer Jill Marshall on Wednesday 19 May as part of Law Week.
Law Week is a national initiative to promote community awareness and understanding of the law, the Australian legal system and the legal profession. Each year for Law Week, Legal Aid partners with NSW libraries to deliver community workshops.
In 'Your Money and the Law' Ms Marshall will introduce you to organisations and resources you can use to help with common money problems such as being chased for money, being owed money and borrowing money.
ON THE MONEY: Legal Aid lawyer Jill Marshall says there are many resources available to help with money problems.
She will be accompanied by mediator Jane Atkinson from the Community Justice Centre, a NSW-Government-funded service that provides free mediation to help people solve disagreements without going to court.
The key messages of the workshop will be:
- There are resources for people to get information and places people can get help.
- Getting help early usually leads to a better outcome. The time limit for recovery of a debt is six years.
- Mediation is a good alternative to going to court.
- There are better alternatives to payday loans.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said often people don't know where to turn to solve problems with money.
"Dealing with money troubles can be stressful and with all the information out there it can be very confusing.
"Events such as these are important in making this sort of information more accessible to members of the public.
"This is a great opportunity for people to find out their rights when it comes to money and how the law can help."
Ms Marshall said Legal Aid was there to provide help for people, especially our most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
"We're probably most known for the work we do in criminal law, but we also have solicitors able to assist and advise on civil and family law issues as well," she said.
"All too often we see clients who have avoided dealing with a debt demand and then the next thing they receive is a court process. Ignoring this can lead to a judgment debt and the Sheriff knocking at the door."
The presentation will be held from 10am to noon. Morning Tea will be served from 10am, then the presentation will begin at 10:30am and run for about an hour.
There will be time for questions and discussion following the presentation.
The workshop will provide legal information only. People needing immediate legal help with a money problem should call 1300 888 529.
Bookings are essential and places are limited. Bookings can be made via Eventbrite or by calling the library on 6393 8132.
