Free Legal Advice & Support

**Our Lawyers provide legal advice and support with:**

Domestic, family & sexual violence
Family law including separation, divorce, parenting, & property
Child safety
Migration & visa matters.

**Our Client Advocates provide non-legal help and support such as:**

Safety planning
Housing & financial advocacy
Support to access services & payments
Emotional wellbeing
Domestic, family & sexual violence information & education.

How do I access a lawyer?

Appointments are available in person at our offices in Cairns and Townsville or one of our outreach locations.

Appointments are available via telephone, or video conferencing platforms such as Teams, or Zoom.

Duty Lawyers are at certain Magistrates Courts and Federal Circuit and Family Courts. Please call to confirm if there will be Duty Lawyers at court when your matter is being seen.

A Duty Lawyer is at the Cairns and Townsville Magistrates Courts when the Court is hearing Domestic Violence matters, and monthly at Mount Isa Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Court.

Our duty lawyers at court provide free legal advice, court support, information and referrals to unrepresented women who have a matter relating to a domestic violence protection order in court that day.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Before your appointment with a family lawyer, it can be helpful to gather and organise some key information about your situation. This will help your lawyer understand your circumstances quickly and provide you with clear, practical advice.

- Basic information about your family including names, dates of birth, and important dates (such as when your relationship started and when you separated)
- Current and past parenting arrangements, including where the children live and how much time they spend with each parent
- A simple timeline (chronology) of your relationship, separation and key events since separation including any concerns about the other party’s behaviour
- Any experience of domestic and family violence (DFV), including what happened, when it occurred, and whether police or other services were involved. Keep any supporting material where possible (such as messages, photos, or medical records)
- Details of any disclosures to professionals such as GP, counsellor, domestic violence service, or Child Safety, particularly where there are safety concerns for you or your children
- Organised documents, grouped into categories where possible (for example: court orders, parenting plans, protection orders, communication, medical records, or school information)
- Financial information (if relevant), including details of assets, debts, income, and any financial arrangements (for example bank statements, superannuation, property, or loans)
- Your goals moving forward, including what arrangements you would like for your children and/or your financial situation, as well as any specific needs or safety concerns
- A list of questions and a short summary of your main concerns to help you make the most of your appointment.
Preparing in this way can help your lawyer focus on what matters most - your safety, your children’s wellbeing, and achieving the best possible outcome for your future.

What happens after my appointment?

After your appointment, your lawyer will usually explain your options and the next steps. They may give you some follow up actions to complete, such as gathering further documents, obtaining reports, or considering your options before taking the next step.

In some cases, the lawyer may agree to assist you by drafting or reviewing a document (for example, a letter, affidavit, or application). They will let you know if this support is available and what it will involve.

Unless a task or ongoing file is opened for you, your appointment is a one-off service. This means it is your responsibility to contact us again if you need further advice or assistance in the future.