Launch of debt-enforcement clinic – AGS's new pro bono initiative
AGS is partnering with the ACT Consumer Law Centre to support the establishment of a debt-enforcement clinic in Canberra, a much-needed initiative to assist low-income and vulnerable clients in the ACT with enforcement action being taken against them, or at risk of enforcement action being taken against them at the Magistrates Court. AGS lawyers will be involved in the clinic which will commence on Friday 14 September 2018 and be part of AGS's pro bono program.
The clinic is a joint initiative of the Consumer Law Centre (which is part of Care Financial Counselling Services) and the Australian Government Solicitor and will operate from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm every second Friday, starting on Friday 14 September 2018.
Clinic lawyers will assist by providing the following legal services:
- advice on the judgment debt itself and whether there are any grounds to have it set aside
- information/advice on enforcement proceedings
- assistance with completion of a debtor's statement of financial position
- preparation of other court documents, where required
- negotiating with creditors on behalf of clients.
The financial counselling and legal teams at Care Financial Counselling Services have for many years been assisting people with consumer debt-related matters, often receiving urgent requests for assistance from those facing enforcement proceedings in the Magistrates Court of the ACT.
The clinic is designed primarily to assist individuals with consumer-related debt, but will not deal with debts owed to the Commonwealth of Australia or business-related debts.
Contact (02) 6143 0044 (Consumer Law Centre of the ACT) to make an appointment.