Best Family Law Solicitors in Canterbury

There is high demand for the duty lawyer service, so it is best to attend the registry in the morning to increase your chances of access to the service. Whether or not you are certain that your situation involves family violence, we are here to support family law firm canterbury you. Canterbury Family Law understands that seeking help can be difficult, and we approach each case with compassion, recognising the uncertainty and emotional strain you may be facing.
If there are safety concerns (such as domestic violence or high conflict), the process can be stopped at any time. LAO will provide the services of the facilitator without charging a fee to the parties. Participation requires that both parties be represented by a lawyer. If you qualify for legal aid, your lawyer’s preparation time and attendance at the settlement conference will be covered under your certificate. We receive referrals from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for family dispute resolution, in cases where one party has a grant of legal assistance, as well as from independent children’s lawyers. Using CLSP funding, CLCs delivered 142,225 services (including referrals) for 54,475 people in 2024–25.

Helen is qualified in law and psychology, and is an experienced in-house family dispute resolution practitioner, having been with the service since 2011. Free legal advice is available to any person on many legal matters. Our legal staff will identify a client's problem, inform a client of their rights and obligations and help them understand what courses of action can be taken. Our legal staff may also provide further assistance where appropriate. Community Law helps with all kinds of legal problems – from employment, family and housing issues to criminal matters, human rights, and Māori land. The Federal Circuit and Family Court expects parties to attempt to resolve disputes through compromise, discussion, and dispute resolution, provided it is safe to do so and urgent exceptions do not apply.
While children cannot be present during a conference or client interview, we do offer an opportunity for children to participate. Victoria Legal Aid has offices in the metropolitan and regional locations which we regularly use for in-person conferences or we use private venues across Victoria. We also conference by video conference, or phone, when you and your client can participate from your office.

Legal aid is government funding to support people to pay for a lawyer. To be binding, both parties must sign the agreement after receiving legal advice, with confirmation from their lawyers. Canterbury Family Law can guide you in creating a financial agreement to protect your wealth. Protecting your wealth for the future may involve more legal processes than expected.
Often, even if you are at court, whether for children’s or property issues, you may still be asked to attend family dispute resolution. In some cases, the court will run its own dispute resolution  conference. Narelle is an experienced family lawyer and in-house family dispute resolution practitioner, having been with the service since 2013. They bring rich expertise and deep understanding in supporting families to navigate complex children’s and financial arrangements, to resolve disputes. Family Legal Advice Service provides free legal advice for people who qualify for the service.
Adjourn (or adjournment)To suspend or postpone a preliminary conference, mediation or hearing and reschedule it for a future date. Women’s Legal Service Victoria is located on the  sovereign lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We help you with court, Centrelink, police, Child Protection, victims of crime tribunal, creditors and our immigration system.

Generally, this will happen at the beginning of the case, or after an interim hearing. However, the court can order you and your ex-partner to attend mediation at any time during the case. If you or the other parent apply for parenting orders, the court may not accept your application and you will have to go back to mediation.
You can’t bring your child to mediation, but you may bring a support person if your ex-partner and the mediator agree. If your case is right for mediation, you and your ex-partner will be invited to attend mediation at a date and time that suits you both. You may be asked if you want to attend mediation in person, by telephone or online. If you have separated from your partner and you need help to reach an agreement about parenting or property, you can attend mediation, also known as Family Dispute Resolution. The team’s mission is to translate complex legislation into clear, reliable guidance that helps everyday Australians understand their legal rights and connect with the right lawyer.