If your matter is urgent or you need to speak to a Family Law Solicitor right now, we can accommodate it. Please call 07 2113 4645 and ask to be connected to a Solicitor while you are on the call.
Legal Aid and Family Law: What Support Is Available?
Legal Aid Queensland is a government-funded service that provides legal advice, assistance, and representation to eligible people who cannot afford a private lawyer. In the area of family law, Legal Aid can be a vital support system during what is often a stressful and emotional time.
But not everyone is eligible, and not all legal matters are covered. Below, we outline who can apply and what family law issues Legal Aid can assist with.
But not everyone is eligible, and not all legal matters are covered. Below, we outline who can apply and what family law issues Legal Aid can assist with.
Who Is Eligible for Legal Aid?
Legal Aid Queensland assesses applications using three main criteria:
1. Financial Eligibility: You must meet income and asset thresholds.
This includes:
2. Legal Merit Test: Your case must have a reasonable chance of success if it goes to court.
3. Priority Areas of Law: Legal Aid is prioritised for cases involving vulnerable people or serious legal issues (e.g. family violence, child safety, or homelessness).
You can check your likely eligibility using Legal Aid Queensland’s online eligibility indicator, but final decisions are made after a formal application and financial assessment.
1. Financial Eligibility: You must meet income and asset thresholds.
This includes:
- Your income from work, Centrelink, or other sources
- Any savings, property, or vehicles you own
- Your partner’s financial situation (in some cases)
2. Legal Merit Test: Your case must have a reasonable chance of success if it goes to court.
3. Priority Areas of Law: Legal Aid is prioritised for cases involving vulnerable people or serious legal issues (e.g. family violence, child safety, or homelessness).
You can check your likely eligibility using Legal Aid Queensland’s online eligibility indicator, but final decisions are made after a formal application and financial assessment.
What Family Law Issues Does Legal Aid Cover?
Legal Aid Queensland can assist with a range of family law matters, including:
Parenting Matters:
Property Settlement:
Domestic and Family Violence:
Child Support and Spousal Maintenance:
Representation at Court:
Legal Aid may provide a lawyer to represent you in Family Court proceedings, particularly if:
Parenting Matters:
- Who children live with and spend time with
- Parenting plans and parenting orders
- Relocation and recovery of children
- Disputes involving family violence or child safety concerns
Property Settlement:
- Division of property and financial resources after separation
- Urgent property disputes (e.g. if one party is selling or hiding assets)
Domestic and Family Violence:
- Applications for Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs)
- Advice and representation for aggrieved persons (and in some cases, respondents)
- Assistance with related family law and child protection matters
Child Support and Spousal Maintenance:
- Advice about entitlements and obligations
- Help with disputes and enforcement (in limited circumstances)
Representation at Court:
Legal Aid may provide a lawyer to represent you in Family Court proceedings, particularly if:
- There are allegations of family violence or risk to children
- You are experiencing financial hardship or disadvantage
- The matter involves complex legal issues
How to Apply for Legal Aid in Queensland
You can apply for Legal Aid in several ways:
It’s important to provide full and accurate financial information when you apply. In some cases, you may be asked to repay some or all of your legal costs over time.
- Online via the Legal Aid Queensland website
- Over the phone
- In person at a Legal Aid office or community legal centre
- Through a private lawyer who is on the Legal Aid panel (some firms take on Legal Aid-funded cases)
It’s important to provide full and accurate financial information when you apply. In some cases, you may be asked to repay some or all of your legal costs over time.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If you don’t meet the criteria for Legal Aid, you may still be able to:
Some private law firms also offer fixed-fee services or payment plans to make legal help more accessible.
- Access free legal advice from Legal Aid Queensland or a community legal centre
- Use Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) services to reach agreement outside of court
- Represent yourself in court, with support from DIY kits and legal information services
Some private law firms also offer fixed-fee services or payment plans to make legal help more accessible.
Final Thoughts
Family law matters can be complex, especially when children, finances, or family violence are involved. If you're worried about the cost of legal help, Legal Aid Queensland may be able to assist, but eligibility depends on your financial situation and the type of legal problem you're facing.
Unfortunately Genuine Legal does not offer legal aid as we are a private law firm. Please contact Legal Aid directly for assistance.
Unfortunately Genuine Legal does not offer legal aid as we are a private law firm. Please contact Legal Aid directly for assistance.
Tags:
Related articles
Blog: Serving Divorce Papers in Australia: What You Need to Know
Serving divorce papers in Australia? Understand the service requirements and methods with our expert guidance for seamless proceedings.
Blog: Finances and property: We cannot agree
Navigate financial disputes in Australia with expert legal guidance. Learn about pre-action procedures, duty of disclosure, and time limits for resolution. Schedule a free consultation.
Blog: When mediation fails – what’s next?
Exploring options when mediation fails in family law disputes
Blog: When mediation is not appropriate
Mediation not always ideal for family disputes. Learn when it's ineffective for parenting or property matters, and alternatives when facing urgency or safety issues.
Book complimentary consultation
Leave your contacts and our manager will contact you and advise you on our legal services options.