Women's legal centre (ACT)

Considering separation or knowing where to start and what to do after you have separated can be confusing, overwhelming and risky.

Our Family Law Practice provides advice and assistance about divorce and separation, care arrangements for children and/or dividing property. Our aim is to support safe arrangements for the care of children and property settlements that reflect women’s entitlements and, where possible, create the foundation for women’s financial security and independence.

We are a specialist service for women, which means we have an expert understanding of how domestic and family violence affects women’s circumstances and legal matters. We also assist women who are in an abusive, violent or controlling relationship to understand legal processes and their entitlements if they want to separate.

HOW WE HELP

We can provide women with information about Family Law or an initial appointment which provides an opportunity to understand the relevant legal processes, her entitlements, and her options to take the next step in her matter.

We offer flexible appointment options for clients, including telephone appointments, appointments outside standard business hours, and appointments at other locations, including Child and Family Centres across Canberra and Your Place Housing Support Service in Queanbeyan NSW.

Ongoing assistance

Depending on a woman’s situation, we can also provide ongoing assistance, which can include

• Drafting correspondence to other parties or their solicitor on a client’s behalf to progress their matter
• Representation in Alternate Dispute Resolution processes such as round table conferences, mediation, lawyer-assisted family dispute resolution conferences and collaborative practices
• Drafting court documents for matters in the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court, and in limited circumstances, the Supreme Court of the ACT
• Representation in the in the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court, and in limited circumstances, the ACT Magistrates Court and Supreme Court of the ACT

We also have a number of pro bono partnerships that can assist women identify and trace assets of the relationship where she has limited access to this information due to financial abuse.

Our practice is focused on early intervention and early resolution. We try to intervene as early as possible to offer practical solutions so clients can resolve their family law issues safely and fairly, without escalation. Going to court is a last resort, and we work with clients to explore all other options before going down this path.

Multi-disciplinary and trauma-informed services

We understand that women may need more than legal advice to take the next step, stay safe through a legal process and to address other issues that affect their safety, financial security and well-being.

We have a team of Social Workers and an Aboriginal Case Manager that can provide support to Centre clients, including safety planning, advocacy and case management. We can also refer clients to complementary services including financial counsellors, specialist counselling, and other financial and parenting supports.

We are able to do this work thanks to funding received from the ACT and Commonwealth Government.