Wrap-around support in trying times

Tilly was referred to us with multiple legal issues, including a significant fines debt of over $20,000, dating back over a decade. Tilly had limited English and her life since she arrived in Australia as a refugee had been nothing but difficult. Following the breakdown of her marriage, Tilly was left with sole parental responsibility for her children. Her home was subsequently ravaged by fire, following which she and her children were left without secure housing for months. Once in new housing, Tilly struggled to pay rent and bills. The PCLC lawyer referred Tilly to other services for additional financial support and, after providing advice, negotiated over many months to have Tilly “arrested and bailed” so her all fines could be dealt with together at a Court hearing. The lawyer organised to obtain supporting materials in preparation for the hearing and appeared on behalf of Tilly, making submissions about Tilly’s circumstances. The court agreed with our assessment and wiped the entire $20,000 fines debt. Tilly left the court in tears, expressing that she felt a huge sense of relief and commented that she could not have done this herself.