- Emotional support
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Family violence support
- Are your children at risk?
- Child abuse
- Family violence orders
- Handing over children where there's potential for conflict or violence
- Planning ahead
- Support for children
- Support for me
- What the police can do
- What to do if you or your children are in danger
- What happens if you leave the family home
- What to do if you suspect child abuse
- Financial support
- Legal support
Legal Advice
It’s important to access some legal help so you can safely resolve your family law issues when dealing with the processes of separation and divorce.
The law requires separating families who have a dispute about parenting arrangements, property settlements or spousal maintenance to make a genuine effort to resolve their issues by family dispute resolution before they can apply to court. Urgency, domestic violence and child abuse are some exceptions to this requirement.
Getting legal advice
You should get independent legal advice about your situation to protect your safety and so you can make informed decisions and fully understand the implications of anything you agree to or sign regarding your children or your finances.
Free legal advice:
- The Family Relationships Advice Line 1800 050 321 — will be able to provide you with information about the family law system. It’s available 8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday, and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday (local time), except public holidays.
- Community Legal Centres — independent, non-profit community organisations providing free legal services, referral, advice and assistance to more than 350,000 people each year.
- Duty Lawyer Services where applicable
- Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
- Women’s Legal Services — provides free legal information to assist women in understanding and protecting their legal rights. The service aims to assist people to make informed choices and decisions about the options available to them. Within the legal system, the service undertakes important roles in court representation, advocacy, law reform, test case litigation, referrals and community legal education.
- Legal Aid
Resources
- Untying the Knot: Your guide to family law — is a free booklet produced by Legal Aid with legal information for each state and territory.
- Law Access Online
- Family Law Courts
- Council of Single Mothers and their Children (CSMC)