We understand that the process of separation can be daunting, complex, expensive and very stressful. Sadly many of our clients also suffer from domestic violence and feel trapped trying to juggle bills and parenting responsibilities, and are unsure of where to go or how to get help for legal services family law.
If you are struggling to afford legal fees and family law challenges; don’t have a regular income; have been turned down by the bank for a personal loan or feel trapped in a bad relationship, you are not alone! There are government services that provide free legal advice, family advocacy, and legal assistance services to support you. See below for a list of contacts.
JustFund also provides flexible funding solutions for paying ongoing legal expenses, including mediation and court costs – there are no out-of-pocket expenses since you repay the loan at the end of your settlement. Please contact us to see if you are eligible or talk to your family lawyer.
Here is a shortlist of some useful resources and services for your reference.
Key takeaways
Crisis Support Services:
There are a variety of free services available where you can seek guidance and support around Australia. Here is a summary of some key services that may be able to help with legal fees, family law issues, and challenges in the family court, or refer you to more suitable support service.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000
1800RESPECT:
24/7 national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Phone: 1800 737 732. The Daisy app protects your device’s privacy and contains information on local support services.
Lifeline
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention service. Phone: 13 11 14. Lifeline works with communities to educate people on being suicide-safe. Their centres offer support groups, financial counselling, and domestic violence response training.
Family Violence Law Advice
www.familyviolencelaw.gov.au. Access critical information on domestic violence and family violence issues. Their support workers can assist victims develop a safety plan and support them through the legal process. You can also receive support finding housing and Centrelink payments.
Family Violence Law 24/7 Crisis line
1800 737 732
Family Relationship Advice Line
– 1800 050 321 or www.familyrelationships.gov.au. Family Relationships Online is a platform that provides important family law information. Parties can access counselling and family dispute resolution through the platform’s database.
Financial Planning and Emergency Funding:
A free service with good family law advice can be found at Good Shepherd.. Clients can find guidance on managing finances, which is important for parties who have suffered financial abuse.
Act for Kids
– (07) 4847 0550 or https://www.actforkids.com.au
Women’s Legal Services Australia
Women’s Legal Services Website. This is a national advocate for women’s rights. Since 1996, they have provided a forum for their members to collaborate and gain expertise. Female clients can access various resources to assist their journey through family law disputes.
Kids' therapy and support
Act for Kids provides evidence-led therapy and support services for legal fees and family law challenges for children and their families who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing harm. Act for Kids aims to keep children safe, heal from trauma and develop to live happy lives.
Visit their website at https://www.actforkids.com.au or call (07) 4847 0550.
Divorce Checklist:
A useful guide from one of our accredited partner firms
Family Law Services for Violence - Help and Information
Learn about your rights and the law in Australia, and how to get help with family dispute resolution and family law matters.
Tel: 24/7 Crisis line: 1800 737 732 or visit familyviolence.gov.au
Resources Guide for Women suffering from Domestic Violence, by JustFund
White Ribbon Australia – Men’s and women’s Helplines. White Ribbon is dedicated to protecting women from male violence. They collaborate with workplaces to ensure women are respected and safe during employment. White Ribbon also works with schools to foster discussion about gender equality and strategies to prevent harassment.
13 YARN
13 YARN is a crisis support line specifically for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s a confidential and non-judgmental space that provides a culturally sensitive service. 13 YARN is the first helpline of its kind in Australia and offers critical assistance for Indigenous people who are struggling.
No to Violence
No to Violence approaches domestic and family violence from the male perspective. It works with men who use violence in the home. It aims to create positive change by empowering men to change their behaviour. The No to Violence referral program provides counselling services and information for men. It can also refer men to other services based on their needs.
Legal aid
Every state and territory has a legal aid commission. These commissions are independent statutory bodies established to provide legal assistance services to the public. They provide free or low-cost access to family law services. Depending on the case, family law matters that Legal Aid may be able to help with include parenting and property issues and domestic violence concerns.
This access is determined by a means test and merits test.
Means test
The means test determines whether the applicant may contribute to the legal services. The means test considers income and assets. Sources of income may include:
Salary and wages
Investment properties
Child support payments
Income from insurance claims
Merits test
Legal Aid wants to focus on the most pressing cases. There are three parts to Legal Aid’s merits test:
The case’s prospects of success.
The applicant’s ability to fund legal services.
What benefit Legal Aid assistance would have for the applicant.
Urgent matters get priority. These typically involve immediate risks to the safety of children or the applicant.
Community legal centres
There are 32 legal aid centres in Queensland alone, and 24 in NSW and other states around Australia. Community legal centres provide free legal information, education and family advocacy for community members. Financially insecure clients can find legal assistance and representation.
Understanding Coercive Control?
Coercive control can be used in any type of relationship. It can happen when people are casually dating, in a serious relationship or separated. The abusive person could also be a family member, co-resident or someone who provides care. Coercive control is wrong in any relationship, but it is a criminal offense in NSW when a person uses these behaviours towards a current or former intimate partner. Learn more about legal fees and family law challenges what is coercive control and what to do about it.
What is the cost of separation or divorce in Australia?
According to Money Magazine, if your matter goes to court the average cost is between $50,000 and $100,000 and it can take up to 3 years. Find out more about managing your legal fees and family law challenges and payment options.
What is the best way to discuss the cost of legal fees with your lawyer?
Approaching a family lawyer about options for payment of legal fees can be a sensitive but important conversation, especially if you’re concerned about the costs involved. Here’s how to approach discussing the cost of legal fees with your lawyer.
