General information or legal advice: what is the difference?

You will see two phrases a lot on this site: "general information" and "legal advice". They sound close. They are not, and the gap affects you.

The short version

General information explains how the law usually works. It is the same for anyone in a similar situation. A guide, a fact sheet or a helpline answering "what is a notice to leave?" is giving general information.

Legal advice is about your situation. A solicitor looks at your papers and facts, and tells you what you should do. The Queensland Law Society says licensed solicitors "can provide legal advice and assistance" with your specific circumstances, and that the Society itself does not provide legal advice.

The line is not always sharp. We describe it in our own words, not a legal definition. That is why we keep to one rule: we explain, and we leave the telling-you-what-to-do to people who are qualified to do it.

Why this matters to you

Law depends on detail. A date on a letter, a clause in a lease or one missing signature can change the answer. A website cannot see those things.

General information helps you:

• understand the words on a form
• see what the usual steps are
• know which time limits to watch
• work out who to call
• ask better questions when you get there

It cannot tell you that you will win, or that you should sign, or that you should stay. Anyone who says it can, without reading your papers, is guessing.

The Legal Services Commission, an independent body that helps maintain legal practitioner standards, takes complaints about lawyers who do the wrong thing. It is a reminder that advice comes from people who answer to someone.

When you actually need a lawyer

Most people do not need a lawyer for every problem. But get advice from a solicitor or a free legal service when:

• you have been charged with an offence, or police want to question you
• you have been served with court or tribunal papers
• a deadline is close, or has already passed
• you are about to sign something that is hard to undo
• a lot of money, your home, your job or your children are involved

If you are not sure, call anyway. A free service can tell you in a few minutes whether you need more. Our guides on being charged and a notice to leave both start with who to call.

How to find free or low-cost help

Free help exists in Queensland, and you do not have to be in a crisis to use it.

• Legal Aid Queensland runs a legal information line on 1300 65 11 88, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. It serves people facing financial hardship.
• Community legal centres offer free or low-cost legal support. Community Legal Centres Queensland has a directory to find the nearest one.
• Caxton Legal Centre offers free legal information and appointments to people who are disadvantaged or on a low income.
• Queensland Law Society Find a Solicitor helps you find a private solicitor by area of law and location, if you want to pay for advice.

We list more in free legal help in Queensland.

What to do next

Read the guide that fits your problem. Write down what happened and the dates. Then take that, and any letters, to someone who can give you advice. Pick a service on the list above, and ask them what you need to do before the next deadline.