Sasha's Story - Online dating scam
Victim of an online dating scam, Sasha was left with an unpayable debt
Sasha’s Story
Sasha believed the man she met on the internet who said he loved her and promised to visit but ‘in the meantime could she help him?’ Some goods were delivered to her that she packaged and sent on. The police were soon involved and told her she’d been scammed but her real distress came when the supplier of the goods commenced court proceedings for almost $20,000. Sasha could only just afford the low-cost home loan she had through a First Nations service, had no other income and many debts. She was worried she would lose her home and felt angry and embarrassed. Sasha sought help from a community support service in Cairns and was connected to LawRight’s on-site service. They connected her to our pilot Magistrate Courts Service. Pro bono lawyers from Brisbane worked with her support workers to help Sasha prepare and file a defence. The plaintiff discontinued the proceedings.
Our Cairns office continued to support this process and in conversation with Sasha learnt her car loan debt was adding to her stress. The loan didn’t meet responsible lending standards and Sasha was again connected to Brisbane lawyers who negotiated a loan refund of $4500 and fairer repayments.
Copyright © 2023 LawRight, All rights reserved.
Elaine's Story - Single mum harassed by debt collectors
“I dont know how to say it without tears. My life was a struggle… I had no one to turn to”
Elaine’s Story
Elaine is a single mum who lost her job and her housing unexpectedly, had to put her belongings into storage and was using 85% of her income for emergency accommodation. Debt collectors harassed her, and she struggled with basic necessities. LawRight staff and pro bono lawyers helped Elaine resolve over $3,500 worth of debt and had $1,000 of her storage costs waived. LawRight’s financial counsellor helped Elaine enter a fairer plan to repay her fines and she is now safe in public housing. We continue to help her.
Elaine wrote and told us the story in her own words:
“I dont know how to say it without tears. My life was a struggle… I had no one to turn to… I lost my job and got kicked out of the unit with my [child]… We were on the streets. [They] missed school and I was struggling with… panic attacks. Couldnt afford my medications coz the little I had was going into fuel and food for my [child]. I was in the dark trying my best but still couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel until Micah Project got involved. They found us a place and not long after I get a call from LawRight. They well explained what they do and booked us for a longer meeting on the phone. From there my life changed. They helped me with everything that I couldn’t do on my own. They called to see if I was OK and was ready to help me sort my bad situations. Thank you… my [child] and I are living stress free from the work you did for us. I thank you so much and appreciate everything you have done for us. You saved us.”
Copyright © 2023 LawRight, All rights reserved.
Asha's Story - Hearing threatens homelessness
“LawRight … went above and beyond in assisting the client to prepare for a daunting QCAT Hearing.”
Asha’s Story
Asha is a single mother of five children who was at risk of being evicted into homelessness from her rental property. Staff and pro bono lawyers worked closely with Asha’s community support team to prepare for her tribunal hearing: drafting submissions, speaking notes, and providing advice on negotiations with the housing provider. Ultimately, the parties settled the dispute and Asha was able to stay.
“LawRight provided an invaluable service to our shared client. They took the time to understand the client’s goals and values and went above and beyond in assisting the client to prepare for a daunting QCAT Hearing. They also took the time to ensure that I had an in depth understanding of their work, enabling me to pass information on to other clients in similar positions. LawRight was instrumental in the client achieving a fantastic outcome and they have been a wonderful organisation to work alongside.”
– Kyabra community housing worker
Copyright © 2023 LawRight, All rights reserved.
Sam's Story - From homelessness to law student
“I am very pleased with the help I got and am very grateful.”
Sam’s Story
From Homelessness to Law Student
LawRight helped Sam with advice about his fines and helped him to resolve them. When Sam wanted to apply to university, LawRight helped him enrol by drafting statutory declarations explaining his unique circumstances. Since working with LawRight and the Brisbane Youth Service, Sam has commenced studying law and is about to complete the first year of his degree.
“Thanks to the help of LawRight I remain without a criminal record and no outstanding debt. I am very pleased with the help I got and am very grateful.”
– Sam (he consented to his real name being used).
Copyright © 2023 LawRight, All rights reserved.
Lana's Story - Young victims of violence
Young, pregnant and struggling financially, we supported Lana on her precarious but courageous journey to stability
Lana’s Story
Young Victims of Violence
Lana was pregnant and struggling financially. Pro bono lawyers helped her resolve almost $10,000 of debt and Lana used her new knowledge about her rights to advocate for other credit waivers. Lana then disclosed a history of domestic and other violence and we helped her access financial assistance from Victim Assist.
When Lana gave birth, she was still homeless and at risk of the baby being removed. LawRight collaborated with the youth workers to help Lana safely connect with her family for support and then move into safe independent accommodation. We are still supporting her precarious but courageous journey to stability.
“My young person [Lana] was not able to work towards any of their goals due to the stress imparted by their debts. LawRight supported both myself and the young person to navigate these debts, in addition to other tenancy related matters. “
– Brisbane Youth Service worker
Copyright © 2023 LawRight, All rights reserved.