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.

The Duty Lawyers are located at the Family Law Courts, 3 Angas Street, Adelaide at Level 1, Room 1.12 or Room 1.17 each day.

No appointment is required but priority is given to clients who have a hearing listed in Court that day. If the Duty Lawyer is unavailable on the day, clients are encouraged to make an appointment.

To contact the Duty Lawyers telephone 0434 079 387 or 0434 079 388.
If we are unavailable, please leave a message and we will return your call.

Please do not bring children to your appointment.