Family Law Duty Lawyer Service

A free service for people who are representing themselves and have a hearing date in the Family Law Courts or are starting proceedings in a Family Law Court. The service can be used once only for general family law advice.

Duty Lawyers can:

    Provide family law advice about your Court hearing and/or legal problem
    Help with adjournments – generally limited to adjournments of the first court appearance
    Help with Legal Aid applications
    Provide referrals to private practitioners and other services
    Arrange an interpreter if notice is provided
    Arrange telephone appointments if you live in the country or interstate

Duty Lawyers cannot:

    Prepare complex court documents, e.g. applications/responses and affidavits
    Represent you for interim hearings, contravention applications and final hearings (trials)
    Provide specific legal advice or representation in Court if there is a conflict of interest (for example, if the other party or a child is represented, or has previously been represented, by a Legal Services Commission lawyer). In such cases the Duty Lawyer will provide general information only.
    Provide specific legal advice regarding matrimonial property settlements but can provide general information and advice.
    Assist with de facto property settlements or Youth Court (care and protection) matters.