Best places to get free family law advice (and when to use each)
- Legal Aid (state/territory) – Free advice if eligible; can fund a lawyer in some cases. Best for low income, safety risk, complex or urgent matters. Limits: means/merits tests apply.
- Community Legal Centres (CLCs) – Free initial advice and referrals. Best for vulnerable clients, safety or access issues. Limits: capacity and scope vary by centre.
- Duty Lawyer at Court – On-the-day advice and basic representation for eligible people at listed hearings. Best when you already have a court date.
- Family Relationship Centres (FRCs) – Free/low‑cost Family Dispute Resolution (mediation) for parenting. Best before filing parenting cases. Limits: not for urgent risk cases.
- Private family lawyers – Many offer a short free or low‑cost initial consult to map options, costs and next steps. Best when you need continuity or specialist strategy.
- Court registries and government portals – Reliable process info, forms and checklists. Best for understanding filing steps and requirements.
Note: Services and eligibility differ by state/territory (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT). If one service can’t assist, ask for a warm referral to another.
How this situation shows up
Free family law advice is most needed around separation and divorce, parenting arrangements, child support, and property settlement. The first task is to isolate what cannot wait (safety, deadlines) and what can be addressed in a planned way (negotiation, mediation, documents).
- Parenting: living arrangements, time with each parent, school and medical decisions, travel consent, relocation.
- Property and finance: bank accounts, home and mortgage, superannuation split, cars, debts and disclosure.
- Family violence and safety: protection orders, safe handovers, supervised time, risk assessments.
- Procedural issues: deadlines to respond, filing forms, subpoenas, contraventions, consent orders.
Talk to someone about your issue
Important: Laws and procedure can vary by jurisdiction and facts. This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice.
Priority actions (to protect your position)
- Safety first: if there is family violence risk, prioritise protection and urgent advice. Call 000 in an emergency.
- Check deadlines: court dates, filing/response limits, subpoena return dates, expiry of orders.
- Write a brief timeline: key dates, events, concerns, and what you want to achieve.
- Collect the central documents: see the checklist below to prepare efficiently.
- Keep communications calm and factual: avoid threats or admissions; focus on children’s best interests.
Costs and eligibility for free family law advice in Australia
- Legal Aid: Means and merits tests apply. If granted, advice is free and representation may be funded. If refused, ask about free clinics or duty lawyer options.
- CLCs: Free advice prioritising vulnerability and risk. Limited capacity—book early and ask about waitlists and triage clinics.
- Duty Lawyers: Free on-the-day help for eligible matters at court. Availability varies by list and location.
- Family Relationship Centres: Parenting mediation (FDR) is often free or low‑cost based on income; private FDR available if capacity is an issue.
- Private lawyers: Many offer free/low‑cost initial consults; typical hourly rates range $300–$600+. Ask about fixed fees for discrete tasks (drafting, advice, consent orders).
Useful records to gather
- Marriage certificate or relationship details (cohabitation dates, separation date).
- Children’s details: ages, schools, medical needs, current care schedule and expenses.
- Financial records: bank/credit statements, payslips, tax returns, valuations, loan/mortgage documents.
- Superannuation information and recent member statements.
- Any parenting plans, consent orders, protection orders, or prior agreements.
- Key communications: relevant emails/texts (avoid editing; keep originals).
- Evidence of risk or urgency: reports, safety plans, incident numbers (if any).
When to seek urgent family law help
- Family violence or safety concerns requiring immediate protection.
- Child recovery, airport watch list, or relocation risks.
- Contravention of parenting or protection orders causing harm.
- Imminent court deadline or listing you are not prepared for.
- Risk of asset disposal or financial harm.
FAQ
Who can get free family law advice in Australia?
Eligibility differs by service. Legal Aid applies means and merits tests; CLCs prioritise vulnerability and risk; duty lawyers help eligible people listed in court; and many private firms offer a short free or low‑cost initial consult.
What are the best places to get free family law advice near me?
Start with your state or territory Legal Aid Commission, your local Community Legal Centre, duty lawyers if you have a court date, and Family Relationship Centres for parenting mediation (FDR). Ask each service for referrals if they can’t assist.
How much does a family lawyer cost if I don’t qualify for free help?
Private family lawyers often charge $300–$600+ per hour. Many offer fixed‑fee or low‑cost initial consults. Mediation via Family Relationship Centres is often free or low‑cost; private mediation is typically shared between parties.
Can I resolve parenting or property issues without going to court?
Often yes. Parenting disputes usually require Family Dispute Resolution before filing (unless urgent/risk). Property matters commonly settle through negotiation, mediation or consent orders.
What should I prepare before seeking free family law advice?
Bring a brief timeline, key documents (financials, super, parenting info, any orders), and note any deadlines. Keep communications calm and child‑focused.
When is urgent family law help needed?
Immediately seek help for safety risks or family violence, child recovery or travel risks, serious contraventions, or imminent court deadlines. Call 000 in an emergency.
Get free family law guidance
Tell us briefly what’s happening and where you’re located. We’ll help you understand your options and connect you with the right service or next step.