Bushfire Legal Help Handbook

A guide to the law for people affected by the February 2009 Victorian bushfires

The Handbook provides an overview of some of the legal issues that you may face as a result of the bushfires, as well as services and relief that can assist you. You may be faced with many confusing legal problems at this time, such as dealing with insurers, destroyed wills or family law issues. This Handbook does not contain legal advice nor all of the law that may affect you. However, it may help you understand the basics about each area and when you may need professional help.

Remember, the law changes all the time and you should get legal advice about your particular situation. See: Where to get help  PDF, 197kb

How do I access this Handbook?

You can download the complete Handbook or select the chapters that are most useful to you:

Download the complete Handbook

Complete Handbook  PDF, 844kb

Download individual chapters

Contents page  PDF, 41kb

Foreword by The Hon. John Brumby, MP, Premier of Victoria  PDF, 27kb

Preface, acknowledgements, about this book  PDF, 65kb

Insurance  PDF, 73kb

Property  PDF, 88kb

Fencing  PDF, 68kb

Family law  PDF, 63kb

Employment and small business  PDF, 100kb

Debt  PDF, 74kb

Utilities  PDF, 68kb

Renting  PDF, 74kb

Victims of crime and other compensation  PDF, 69kb

Wills and estates  PDF, 83kb

Coroner’s process  PDF, 84kb

2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission  PDF, 69kb

Lost documents  PDF, 100kb

Relief  PDF, 121kb

Where to get help  PDF, 197kb

Appendix one – How the Financial Services Ombudsman works  PDF, 798kb

Appendix two – Trees and causes of action  PDF, 42kb

What other help is available?

At this time of grief and loss you may feel overwhelmed when considering the legal and other issues you face. It is important that you get legal advice and other support. See the ‘Where to get help’ section at the back of the Handbook for services that can help you. The ‘Relief’ chapter also contains information about relief assistance currently being offered as well as relevant contact details.

To get free bushfire legal information and referrals call Victoria Legal Aid on 1800 113 432. The help line is open from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm, Monday to Friday.

Last updated: 15 July 2009