Making the legal system fair and accessible for people experiencing disadvantage

Amina's story - helping with a complex divorce settlement Published on Saturday 15, March 2025 IMCL assisted Amina with the divorce settlement because her ex-partner was making the process difficult. Amina just wanted it resolved and to move on with the rest of her life.   Read More ›

Flynn's story - positive change through holistic support Published on Saturday 15, March 2025 We were able to connect with Flynn after a long period of homelessness and substance use through his social workers at one of our partner organisations, Open Door. Our family lawyer helped Flynn to resolve a parenting dispute in the best interests of his children. Read More ›

Ismail's story - holding Ismail's community housing provider to account Published on Saturday 15, March 2025 Ismail was frustrated when he came to see us about an eviction notice he had received from his community housing provider. We also discovered he was paying too much rent and could claim compensation for a long-standing repair issue. Unfortunately, Ismail's problems are common among community housing residents. Read More ›

Megan's story - keeping Megan in her home Published on Saturday 15, March 2025 Megan, who lives in public housing, suffers from schizophrenia. When acutely unwell, she requested the immediate termination of her tenancy. It was accepted putting her at risk of homelessness. IMCL helped her reinstate her tenancy and stay housed. Read More ›

Jane's story - protecting Jane and her children from harm Published on Saturday 15, March 2025 Jane had fled the family home due to escalating family violence. She was living in a refuge and had applied for an IVO to protect herself and children from her husband. We negotiated on her behalf and a final order was granted. Read More ›

Mary's story - assisting Mary to secure stable housing Published on Saturday 15, March 2025 Mary had been living in public housing with her mother for 25 years. While the Office of Housing knew she lived there and paid rent, she only her mother was named on the lease. When Mary'a mother was moved to a nursing home, Mary was told to move out. Read More ›

Elle's story - helping women and children escape family violence Published on Saturday 15, March 2025 Elle, a mother of 3, placed an IVO against her abusive ex-partner. However, this led to a number of further legal issues, including visitation rights and financial vulnerability. She also needed assistance with speeding fines and licence suspension. Read More ›

Stephanie's story - helping Stephanie break free from an unfair enforcement system Published on Saturday 15, March 2025 Five years ago Stephanie was forced into homelessness after experiencing sustained family violence over the course of a long marriage. She fled the family home with nothing. She had no other supports. Read More ›

Brenda's story - supporting Brenda to navigate a confusing and complex legal process Published on Saturday 15, March 2025 Brenda, a mother in her 50s and her son Jack – a teenager with a severe developmental disability – both experienced family violence perpetrated by Brenda’s former partner, Ben. Read More ›

Jasmine & Lucy's stories - using housing policy to achieve results Published on Saturday 15, March 2025 Jasmine and Lucy had the same public housing problem, but they lived in different areas. We had a strong relationship with Jasmine's local housing office and this helped us secure a positive result for her, without needing to go to VCAT. Read More ›

Kate's story - finding a way out of domestic violence Published on Saturday 15, March 2025 When we met Kate, she had recently given birth. We assisted Kate to withdraw her variation application to ensure that a full intervention order remained in place to protect her. We also advised Kate on how to add her child to the intervention order. Read More ›