Need some extra assistance?
Some people need extra assistance to help them through their family law matter. This includes practical assistance due to a disability, a medical condition, a learning or cognitive disorder or another challenge.
We aim to work with our clients to ensure we give you legal advice in a way that best suits their needs. If you let us know what you need, there are many small ways that we can tweak how we give information to you in the best way.
In this week’s article, we outline some of the things we can do to make the legal process a little easier on our clients with additional needs.
Access to our office
Our office is on located the first floor of the Endeavour Court building on the corner of Macquarie and Wingewarra Streets. There is a lift located at the Macquarie Street entrance. Our front door has double doors which open to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
If attending our office is difficult, we are happy to communicate with you via Zoom, Skype, or by telephone. If you blind or visually impaired, you can bring a guide dog to your appointment, or a support person.
Hearing difficulties and ESL
There are several government services that we can use to assist client’s who are deaf of require an interpreter.
The National Relay Service, (when appropriate) can provide assistance for clients who are deaf. The NSW Government accessibility service provides qualified Auslan interpreters and interpreters when English is not your first language.
Reading difficulties
Legal matters involve numerous documents and letters. There is certain information we must provide you in writing. Sometimes, the nature of the information we must give you means these are long documents which can be challenging to read.
If you have dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, Irlen Syndrome or any other difficulties reading, this can be particularly challenging.
We can provide documents on different coloured paper, use a more suitable font, enlarge the font size, adjust the spacing of the text and use point form.
We are also happy to make an audio file where we read out longer letters or documents to you. You can then listen to that file at your own pace. Alternatively you can come into our office and one of our legal assistants can read a document out to you.
If you have auditory processing or a language processing disorder, we can work with you to find the best way to provide you with the information you need.
Technology
While most people can use technology with ease, for others it can be a bit of a challenge. Our staff are happy to assist you with downloading apps, opening a LawConnect account or sending or signing documents electronically.
How to get extra help
If you need something from us to make it easier to understand your matter, just let us know. We do not want our client’s being embarrassed. If you tell us we can adjust the way we communicate with you.
Please note: the information in this article is general in nature and is not legal advice. For specific advice about your circumstances, contact us to make an appointment with one of our solicitors.
