Free legal advice after separation (Australia)

Free legal help in Australia runs through the state and territory Legal Aid Commissions, which give free initial advice on family law and may fund representation if you qualify. Community Legal Centres fill the gaps, and the Family Relationship Advice Line can tell you which one covers your area.

In New South Wales the Legal Aid NSW family pages and LawAccess NSW are the starting point; every other state has an equivalent. Bring court papers and a short timeline to any first appointment.

• Legal aid for family matters is means and merit tested; the first advice session is free even if a grant is refused (nationallegalaid.org.au).
• Legal Aid NSW publishes plain-English guides on parenting agreements and child support that apply across the state (legalaid.nsw.gov.au).
• Where there is family violence, legal aid is usually available regardless of the usual limits; say so when you call.

Sources checked September 2026. Government pages change; the links go to the official page for the latest.

• Start with a free information line before paying for anything.
• Bring any court papers, dates and a short timeline of what has happened.
• Ask whether you qualify for legal aid before assuming you do not.
• Written notes of every conversation with the other parent help a lawyer help you.

Whatever route you take, a calm shared record helps. ParenThing keeps messages, the calendar, costs and handovers in one private place both parents can see, and your data is held in the EU. See how it works for Australian families.