Frequently Asked Questions

We provide free legal services to women living across North Queensland, including regional, rural and remote communities.

Our service area includes locations from Mackay to the Torres Strait and west to Mount Isa, with outreach services delivered across many communities throughout the region.

If you're unsure whether you're within our service area, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.

Yes.

Supporting women in regional, rural and remote communities is a core part of what we do.

We regularly provide legal advice by telephone and visit many communities through our Outreach Program. If we're planning an upcoming visit to your area, we'll do our best to arrange an appointment while we're there.

If we can't visit your community, we can usually assist you remotely.

NQWLS needs to know your full name and date of birth and the full name of the other person in your legal matter. This is usually the person you’re having problems with. We need this information to check for any potential conflicts of interest.

We will also ask you about the names and dates of birth of any children you have.

It is helpful if you can provide information about existing orders that are in place such as Domestic Violence Order.

You don’t have to have everything figured out though. If you don’t have all this information available right now, still call us.

NQWLS has a 'no wrong door' policy; if we can't help you for whatever reason, we will refer you to another service that can.

NQWLS will also consider if we are the best service for you right now and discuss alternative support options with you.

Mandatory reporting laws require certain professionals to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect, particularly involving children and vulnerable adults, to designated authorities.

Yes.

Many of our appointments are provided by telephone, making it easier for women across North Queensland to access legal advice regardless of where they live.

In some circumstances, we may also be able to arrange a video appointment or see you during one of our outreach visits.

If your legal matter is being heard in North Queensland, we may still be able to assist you, even if you currently live elsewhere.

Contact our team to discuss your circumstances and we'll let you know whether you're eligible for assistance or refer you to another legal service if appropriate.

Not necessarily. Quite often, NQWLS will assist one time and that may be all you need to move forward with your legal matter. If you do need to come back for another reason or the same reason, any of our lawyers are able to help you.

In some circumstances, when there are ongoing, complex legal challenges, you may see the same lawyer.

North Queensland Women's Legal Service provides free legal advice, information and support to women across a range of legal issues.

We can assist with matters including:

• Domestic and family violence

• Family law, including parenting arrangements and property matters

• Child protection

• Victims Assist Queensland applications

• Migration and visa matters where family violence is involved

• Elder abuse

• Sexual violence-related legal issues

• General legal information and referrals

If we're unable to assist with your particular matter, we'll do our best to connect you with another service that can.

Yes. We understand that arranging childcare isn't always possible, and you're welcome to bring your children if needed.

If you have young children attending your appointment, please let us know when booking so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

You're welcome to bring a trusted support person, friend, family member or support worker to your appointment if it helps you feel more comfortable.

Please let us know beforehand if someone will be attending with you.

A Duty Lawyer is a lawyer who provides free legal assistance at court on the day of your matter.

Our Duty Lawyers can provide legal advice, help you understand the court process, assist with documents, negotiate where appropriate and, in some cases, speak on your behalf in court.

Availability depends on the court location and the type of matter.

More information on our Duty Lawyer service can be found on our fact sheet here: Duty Lawyer

Our lawyers primarily provide legal advice, information and assistance rather than ongoing court representation.

In some circumstances, we may be able to represent clients in specific matters.

If we are unable to represent you, we'll explain your options and help you find the most appropriate support.