NSW free legal advice for seniors

Clients of The Benevolent Society’s St George and Sutherland Live at Home Programs are making the most of a new pilot program which helps them access affordable or free legal advice when they need it including to plan for their future by documenting their decisions regarding wills, powers of attorney, advanced care directives and enduring guardianship.

The Planning Ahead Pilot Project is a collaboration between The Older Persons’ Legal and Education Program of Legal Aid New South Wales (NSW), the Law Society of NSW and The Benevolent Society.

The private solicitor participating in the project has so far met with nine local clients of The Benevolent Society, to talk through their options for the future and make sure decisions are properly documented and legally binding.

Although the focus of the pilot is older people, the solicitors have also assisted some younger people with disabilities, and carers.

Fiona Houldsworth from The Benevolent Society says the project is a practical way of helping clients access legal advice and take the next step in making their wishes for the future clear.

“Wills, enduring powers of attorney, enduring guardians and advanced care directives are important documents for everyone to have, but are especially important for our clients, who might have no family, have complex health problems, or have limited finances.

“This pilot program aims to help clients plan for their future whilst they still have capacity to make decisions. Not only are these really complex decisions for people to make, but they need to be witnessed and documented properly in order for them to be effective,” she said.

The partnership with Legal Aid NSW also gives clients the opportunity to access free legal advice on a range of other issues. Clients have received assistance with personal injury claims, concerns about potential financial abuse by family members, and family law problems.

“For many of our Community Care clients, the fees for legal assistance are out of their financial reach, and actually getting to the solicitors office for the appointment can also be an obstacle,” said Ms Houldsworth.

“We’re pleased to be working with Legal Aid NSW, to help these clients access affordable legal services at their own home or in a location they can get to easily with support from The Benevolent Society’s case managers”.

This pilot project builds on The Benevolent Society’s publication Your Future Starts Now.