When you are in need of family legal advice there are a number of places you can go. This includes private legal practitioners who may also be specialists in family law, as well as government-funded organisations. Here we will look at five of those options, the Family Relationship Advice Line, the community legal centers, family law specialists, legal aid commissions and the Indigenous legal assistance program.
What is the Family Relationship Advice Line?
In Australia, the Family Relationship Advice Line is a service where anyone can call, remain anonymous if they wish, and get free advice and help to find further support depending on your situation or need. The number is 1800 050 321. It is a national service for everyone being affected by separation or relationship issues such as parenting arrangements. Parents, grandparents, children, friends, anyone can use it and it is confidential. When you call they will work out what you need whether that is;
- Family separation issues that require advice
- Help with workable arrangements with parenting after separating
- Understanding the family law system and help with family law advice
- Concern about the impact of conflict on children involved
- Services that you can be referred to help keep your relationship healthy
- Family dispute resolution via the phone for people who need help
- Referrals to other services or centres
Exploring community legal centres
These are completely independent community organisations that are not for profit offering free information, casework and family legal advice. They also usually offer a range of services that are community developed to the specific needs of the community they are in. The idea is to support the vulnerable and disadvantaged at no cost to them. As well they offer assistance and advice on family law concerns as well as helping in situations that are difficult or dangerous such as family violence. Look at the National Association of Community Legal Centres website for more information.
Finding family law specialists
Another obvious source of expert family law advice is the legal professionals with a specialist family law accreditation. To find a family lawyer you can check the list of associations on the Family Law Section on the Law Council of Australia website.
What are legal aid commissions?
These are independent statutory bodies in each state and territory, that deliver a range of legal advice and assistance under legal aid including family law matters. It is free, and it includes advice, legal assistance, information sessions and advice over the phone. You do need to meet certain requirements to be eligible and each commission establishes eligibility case by case.
Delivering culturally appropriate help with the Indigenous legal assistance program
In order to ensure culturally appropriate family legal advice and assistance are delivered, the Indigenous Legal Assistance program was established. It ensures that Indigenous Australians get the help they need to exercise their legal rights and have help when they run into legal problems. There are eight organisations that receive funds and they range in location, including urban as well as remote and rural sites.
