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

People with family law matters being heard in Toowoomba during the visiting Federal Circuit Court can still access Legal Aid Queensland’s family law duty lawyer service. 

Legal Aid Queensland CEO Anthony Reilly 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 day in court by providing legal information and some preliminary advice,” Mr Reilly 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 Toowoomba’s court sitting dates on 14 and 15 May 2020.  

People can book a duty lawyer by calling 1300 267 762 (9am - 4pm) up to three working days before their court date.   

If people do not make a booking, the judge will refer them to a duty lawyer at the start of their matter.  

During COVID-19, Queenslanders can get free legal information and advice from Legal Aid Queensland by calling the contact centre on 1300 65 11 88 (local call cost if you are calling from a landline) from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm AEST. 

Media contact: 

Amanda Catania or Caroline Page  (07) 3917 0407 or (07) 3917 0457 

Last updated 12 May 2020