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

Date 08 December 2021

People with family law matters scheduled on 13 December 2021 in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s Townsville sitting can access Legal Aid Queensland’s Family Law Duty Lawyer Service.

Run by Legal Aid Queensland, the Family Law Duty Lawyer Service will be available from 9am at the Commonwealth Centre, Level 2, 143 Walker Street, Townsville.

Legal Aid Queensland family lawyer Sarah D’Alton said the duty lawyer service 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 for the Townsville court sitting date on 13 December 2021.

During COVID-19, Queenslanders can also 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 8:30am and 4.30pm AEST, or by visiting one of our 14 offices across the state. Visit the Legal Aid Queensland website: www.legalaid.qld.gov.au to find your local office.

Media contact

Katherine Gorter (07) 3917 0457
Miranda Greer (07) 3917 0407

Last updated 8 December 2021