Cairns: free family law duty lawyer service provides legal help during COVID restrictions

Date 05 October 2021

People with family law matters scheduled via electronic hearing on 11-13 October 2021 in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s Cairns sitting can access Legal Aid Queensland’s Family Law Duty Lawyer Service.

Legal Aid Queensland family lawyer Sarah D’Alton said the duty lawyer service is continuing to operate by phone during the COVID-19 restrictions as it provides a legal lifeline to people representing themselves in family law matters.

“Our duty lawyers try to help people get through their hearing by providing legal information and some preliminary advice,” Ms D’Alton said.

“Our duty lawyer service can be accessed by anyone – it’s not means-tested and people can get help from this service even if they have been refused legal aid for their matter previously.

“While our duty lawyers can’t take on case work or represent people in family law trials, they can certainly talk to people about eligibility for ongoing support from Legal Aid.”

Legal Aid Queensland’s Family Law Duty Lawyer Service will be available via phone for the Cairns electronic court sitting dates on 11-13 October 2021.

People with scheduled electronic hearings should call 1300 267 762 up to 3 working days before their scheduled hearing to arrange a time to speak to the duty lawyer. The duty lawyer will then call them on their electronic hearing date.

During COVID-19, Queenslanders can also get free legal information and advice from Legal Aid Queensland by calling 1300 65 11 88 (local call cost if you are calling from a landline) from Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4.30pm AEST, or via the Legal Aid Queensland website: www.legalaid.qld.gov.au.

Media contact

• Amanda Catania (07) 3917 0407
• Katherine Gorter (07) 3917 0457

Last updated 5 October 2021