Community News
Legal pathways for older people in Casino, Grafton, Lismore and Kyogle
Aged pensioners or holders of a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card in the region will be able to have a Will, an Enduring Power of Attorney and an Enduring Guardianship drawn up at a greatly reduced cost, thanks to a partnership between Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW and Legal Aid NSW.
Called the Legal Pathways Program, the partnership will give access to necessary legal services to aged pensioners or holders of a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card in metro and regional areas in New South Wales.
COTA NSW CEO Meagan Lawson said the partnership would mean older people would have more opportunities to ensure they had their Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship in order.
“By partnering with Legal Aid, we’re looking to make drafting all these documents as easy as possible,” said Lawson.
“These are important things that people need to have. By making them more accessible, we’re helping to ensure that people aren’t put off by expensive legal fees,” she said.
Through the program, individuals are given a direct pathway to qualified solicitors who will meet up with them and draw up the relevant documents at a cost of $50 per document.
“By partnering with Legal Aid, we’ll be able to help older people be rest assured that legal services are available to them and they don’t have to worry,” she said.
Aged pensioners or holders of a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card in who are looking to access this service should contact Council on the Ageing NSW on 1800 449 102 to be referred to a solicitor.