Family Law Duty Lawyer Service (Legal Services Commission of SA)

(Legal Services Commission of SA, The )

A free service for people who are representing themselves and have a hearing date in the Federal Circuit and Family Court or are starting proceedings in the Court. The Duty Lawyers are located at the Commonwealth 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.

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.

Duty lawyers cannot:

• Prepare complex court documents.
• 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 (e.g. 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 settlements (only general information and advice).
• Assist with Youth Court (care and protection) matters.