Disaster Legal Help

Media release

Wednesday, 23 December 2009

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS, BUSHFIRE REPORTERS, LEGAL REPORTERS

Please note bushfire legal help phone number 1800 113 432

PROTECT LEGAL DOCUMENTS AS PART OF BUSHFIRE PREPARATION

Important legal documents, including proof of identity papers, should be included in Relocation Kits, advises Bushfire Legal Help.

 

After the Black Saturday fires, many people lost important documents which made it difficult to prove their identity and created legal complications.

 

“Bushfire Legal Help assisted many people to establish their identity, and we advise that it would be a good idea for people to copy and store important documents in case they are burnt out,” spokesperson Kerry O’Shea said.

 

“Many people had trouble finding or replacing wills, mortgage papers, birth certificates, insurance and other documents after the fires,” she said.

 

The Victorian Government and CFA are advising all Victorians to be prepared for the 2010 bushfire season.

 

This includes packing a Relocation Kit which should contain items of value, important documents and personal information you will need if you have to leave your home or property.

 

Bushfire Legal Help has prepared a checklist of information that could be copied and stored. Information is available at: http://www.disasterlegalhelp.org.au/cb_pages/2010prepchecklist.php

 

 

Checklist of important information you may need

  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Marriage certificate
  • Will
  • Powers of Attorney papers
  • Land and/or house title or certificate
  • Mortgage papers
  • Rental/leasing documents forhome or businessrentals
  • Current insurance policies and contact details
  • Superannuation and investment details
  • Employment contract (workers)
  • Important business papers (small business)
  • Tax file number
  • Medicare number
  • Health insurance fund number
  • Bank account and credit card numbers

 

Bushfire Legal Help was established to provide pro bono support legal support and includes Victoria Legal Aid, the Federation of Community Legal Centres, the Law Institute of Victoria, Victoria Law Foundation, Public Interest Law Clearing House and the Victorian Bar.

 

Further information contact Kerry O’Shea on koshea@liv.asn.au or 0401 107103.