Top10Family Lawyers

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Best Family Lawyers in Canberra

Ten Canberra family law firms, compared for divorce, property settlements and parenting matters.

For each firm you'll see who would handle your matter, the kind of work it suits, how it charges where that's published, and which of its lawyers are accredited family law specialists on the Law Society of NSW register.

37 Canberra firms checked, 10 shortlisted. 11 accredited family law specialists confirmed on the Law Society of NSW register. No firm pays to be listed. Updated October 2026.

Find a firm for your situation
Surrogacy, donor agreements and LGBTIQ families
Farrar Gesini Dunn, HCC Lawyers, Parker Coles Curtis, Foster Johnson
Fixed fees, published fees or a free first chat
Parker Coles Curtis, NS Family Law, Yellow Legal, Farrar Gesini Dunn, Foster Johnson
Outside Canberra City
Yellow Legal, Fulcrum Family Law, R+M Law
A lawyer who speaks another language
DDCS Lawyers, Farrar Gesini Dunn, Nicholls Anzani

Grouped by what each firm publishes about its work. Most firms handle all common family law matters.

1. DDCS Lawyers

NewActonFamily law team in a broader firm

4.0

41 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Property matters involving businesses, trusts and farming enterprises, and parenting cases involving risk or relocation

  • Special Counsel Geoff Mazengarb, admitted in 1983, is an Independent Children's Lawyer and a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
  • Managing Partner Tina Lee speaks Korean and holds a Master of Applied Law (Family Law).
  • The firm says it has seven lawyers who practise only in family law, with a separate wills and estates team.

Accredited family law specialists (2) Lois Clifford, Emily Tighe

(02) 6212 7600 Visit website
Fees
Not published on the firm's website. Ask for a written estimate.
Office
18 Kendall Lane, NewActon, ACT 2601
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

DDCS Lawyers works from 18 Kendall Lane in NewActon. The firm practises family law alongside wills, estate litigation and business succession, and states it has an accredited family dispute resolution practitioner and lawyers trained in collaborative practice. Clients can start a matter online.

Lois Clifford, a founding partner, works on property litigation involving corporate and trust structures, third party interests and prenuptial financial agreements. Emily Tighe has practised only in family law since 2014, acts in parenting matters involving family violence, relocation and young children, and regularly represents clients from regional NSW.

Established 2007.

Lawyers

Specialist status checked on the Law Society of NSW register on 11 Oct 2026.

  • Lois Clifford, PartnerAccredited family law specialist
  • Emily Tighe, PartnerAccredited family law specialist
  • Tina Lee, Partner (Managing Partner)

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • De facto relationships
  • Mediation
  • Collaborative law
  • Family violence

Office

18 Kendall Lane, NewActon, ACT 2601

Other details

Languages
Korean (Tina Lee)

Sources

Back to the shortlist

2. Farrar Gesini Dunn

Canberra CityFamily law team in a broader firm

4.8

238 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Separations where you want a choice between collaborative law, a weekend settlement process or court work

  • Offers Settle by Sunday, a weekend process that aims to reach an agreement, with documents drafted, by the end of the weekend.
  • Partner Robert Routh is a former Registrar of the Family Court of Australia and a registered family dispute resolution practitioner.
  • The Canberra office lists property division, high conflict parenting, international child abduction and surrogacy agreements among its work.

Accredited family law specialists (1) Angela Li

(02) 6115 9000 Visit website
Fees
Fee discussions, in person, by phone or in writing, are at no charge. Fee options listed are an hourly rate, a fixed fee for a stage or a fixed fee overall.
Office
Level 1, 10 Rudd Street, Canberra ACT 2601
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

The Canberra office is at Level 1, 10 Rudd Street in the city. It handles family law, wills and estates, and business advisory and accounting. The Canberra family lawyers page profiles more than ten lawyers, some of whom are based in other offices.

The firm says it prefers out of court and collaborative solutions, with court work when needed. Adam Bak, a partner since 2013, acts in cases with substantial asset pools and complex corporate structures. Kasey Fox works on large financial cases and binding financial agreements and is part of the firm's LGBTIQ Legal Service team.

Established 1995.

Also worth knowing

  • Fee discussions are free, and fees can be hourly, a fixed fee for each stage or a fixed fee overall.

Lawyers

Specialist status checked on the Law Society of NSW register on 11 Oct 2026.

  • Adam Bak, Partner - Family Lawyer
  • Kasey Fox, Partner - Family Lawyer
  • Angela Li, Partner - Family LawyerAccredited family law specialist

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • De facto relationships
  • Mediation
  • Collaborative law
  • Arbitration
  • Family violence
  • International family law
  • Surrogacy

Office

Level 1, 10 Rudd Street, Canberra ACT 2601

Other details

Other offices
Sydney, Melbourne and Coffs Harbour
Languages
Mandarin (Angela Li, second language)

Sources

Back to the shortlist

3. R+M Law

DeakinFamily law team in a broader firm

4.5

14 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Family law matters that overlap with care and protection, guardianship or estate planning, and clients who want mediation with an accredited mediator

  • Kevin Robinson is an AIFLAM accredited mediator and is on the panel for appointment as an Independent Children's Lawyer.
  • Sally McGuinness is an Accredited Collaborative Law Practitioner and a past President of the Canberra Region Family Law Professionals Association.
  • Office in Deakin with three visitor parking bays and lift access.

Accredited family law specialists (2) Sally McGuinness, Margot McCabe

(02) 6225 7040 Visit website
Fees
Fixed fees for divorce applications and PEXA property transfers. Likely costs for other matters are discussed at the first consultation.
Office
Level 1, 27-29 Napier Close, Deakin ACT 2600
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

R+M Law, formerly Robinson + McGuinness Family Law, works from Napier Close in Deakin. Alongside family law it handles wills and estates, guardianship and financial management, and care and protection matters. The site names 11 lawyers and says it serves Canberra, Queanbeyan and Yass.

The firm says it uses mediation, conciliation and collaborative law as well as court representation. Kevin Robinson works with company, business and trust structures and has experience in the ACT care and protection jurisdiction. Margot McCabe acts in complex financial and property disputes, spousal maintenance, parenting, divorce and domestic violence matters.

Lawyers

Specialist status checked on the Law Society of NSW register on 11 Oct 2026.

  • Sally McGuinness, Managing PartnerAccredited family law specialist
  • Kevin Robinson, Managing Partner
  • Margot McCabe, PartnerAccredited family law specialist

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • Mediation
  • Collaborative law
  • Family violence

Office

Level 1, 27-29 Napier Close, Deakin ACT 2600

Sources

Back to the shortlist

4. Parker Coles Curtis

Canberra CityFamily law only

4.8

114 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Clients who want published fees and flexible appointment types, including after-hours video and short lunchtime sessions

  • Published fees: a free 15-minute call, an initial consultation from $650 including GST, and a $400 30-minute online appointment.
  • Debra Parker is also accredited in dispute resolution and was a Registrar of the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court from 2005.
  • Catherine Coles acts as an Independent Children's Lawyer.

Accredited family law specialists (3) Debra Parker, Catherine Coles, Jacquelyn Curtis

(02) 5114 2660 Visit website
Fees
Free 15-minute introductory phone call. Initial consultation from $650 including GST (up to 1.5 hours). After-hours phone or video appointment $600, 30-minute online lunchtime appointment $400.
Office
Level 9, 1 Hobart Place, Canberra ACT 2601
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

Parker Coles Curtis is a family law firm at Level 9, 1 Hobart Place in the city. The team page names ten lawyers, from directors to lawyer level. Services include relocation, third party interests, adoption and surrogacy, and international matters.

Debra Parker is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and conducted around 2,500 mediations while a court registrar. Jacquelyn Curtis was a judge's associate before practising family law and focuses on parenting cases involving risk to children and family violence. The firm offers mediation, collaborative practice and an amicable separation service.

Also worth knowing

  • Offers an amicable separation service as well as mediation and collaborative practice.

Lawyers

Specialist status checked on the Law Society of NSW register on 11 Oct 2026.

  • Debra Parker, DirectorAccredited family law specialist
  • Catherine Coles, DirectorAccredited family law specialist
  • Jacquelyn Curtis, DirectorAccredited family law specialist

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • De facto relationships
  • Mediation
  • Collaborative law
  • Family violence
  • International family law
  • Surrogacy

Office

Level 9, 1 Hobart Place, Canberra ACT 2601

Sources

Back to the shortlist

5. Nicholls Anzani

Canberra CityFamily law only

4.8

9 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Matters with an international element, such as overseas assets, relocation or child abduction, and high conflict parenting disputes

  • Published international services include watch list orders, recovery orders, international child support and overseas property division.
  • Partner Ana Anzani understands French, Farsi and Arabic and holds a Graduate Diploma of Migration Law.
  • Partner Timothy Nicholls is an accredited Independent Children's Lawyer.

Accredited family law specialists (1) Timothy Nicholls

(02) 7259 4130 Visit website
Fees
Not published on the firm's website. Ask for a written estimate.
Office
Level 6, 1 Hobart Place, Canberra ACT 2601
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

Nicholls Anzani is a family law firm at Level 6, 1 Hobart Place, founded by Timothy Nicholls and Ana Anzani. Its listed work includes contested court proceedings, injunctions, contravention and enforcement proceedings, and parental alienation matters.

Tim Nicholls appears as a solicitor advocate in both divisions of the Federal Circuit and Family Court and works on parenting matters involving family violence and risk. Ana Anzani has practised only in family law since admission and works on relocation, alienation and financial disputes involving family businesses, trusts and overseas property.

Also worth knowing

  • Four lawyers are named on the team page: two partners, a senior associate and an associate.

Lawyers

Specialist status checked on the Law Society of NSW register on 11 Oct 2026.

  • Timothy Nicholls, PartnerAccredited family law specialist
  • Ana Anzani, Partner

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Financial agreements
  • De facto relationships
  • Family violence
  • International family law

Office

Level 6, 1 Hobart Place, Canberra ACT 2601

Other details

Languages
French, Farsi and Arabic (Ana Anzani)

Sources

Back to the shortlist

6. NS Family Law

Canberra CityFamily law only

4.9

52 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Parenting matters involving young children, mental health or addiction concerns, and clients who want to choose how much help they pay for

  • Clients can choose the level of help, from advice at certain stages to full representation, and fee options are offered.
  • Offers a fixed fee initial appointment or a free 10-minute chat.
  • Lucy Stramandinoli has more than 25 years in Canberra law and began at the ACT Legal Aid Office.

Accredited family law specialists (1) Anna Neilan

(02) 6152 0493 Visit website
Fees
Fixed fee initial appointment, or a free 10-minute chat.
Office
Suite 1, Ground Floor, 5 Farrell Place, Canberra ACT 2601
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

NS Family Law (Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law) works from Farrell Place in the city and practises only family law. The team page names three lawyers: co-founders Anna Neilan and Lucy Stramandinoli, and lawyer Emma Webeck, who appears in family violence matters in the ACT Magistrates Court.

The firm's four-step process runs from a flat fee initial consultation through advice and agreement drafting to representation. Listed services include amicable separation, family dispute resolution, arbitration, binding child support agreements, superannuation splitting and cases involving businesses, trusts and self managed super funds.

Also worth knowing

  • Anna Neilan has worked in family law since 2000.

Lawyers

Specialist status checked on the Law Society of NSW register on 11 Oct 2026.

  • Anna Neilan, Family LawyerAccredited family law specialist
  • Lucy Stramandinoli, Family Lawyer

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • De facto relationships
  • Mediation
  • Collaborative law
  • Arbitration
  • Family violence
  • Surrogacy

Office

Suite 1, Ground Floor, 5 Farrell Place, Canberra ACT 2601

Sources

Back to the shortlist

7. Foster Johnson

Canberra CityFamily law only

4.9

37 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Couples open to collaborative law, and separations involving emergency services or AFP members

  • Partner Brooke Johnson is an Accredited Collaborative Law Practitioner and Co-Secretary of the Canberra Collaborative Family Lawyers Practice Group.
  • Averil Foster has more than 19 years in family law and works with emergency services and Australian Federal Police clients.
  • Fees are agreed in advance under a stated no surprises policy.
(02) 6248 8477 Visit website
Fees
Fees agreed in advance under a no surprises policy.
Office
Level 6, 28 University Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

Foster Johnson continues Phelps Reid Lawyers, which opened in Canberra in 1983. Brooke Johnson joined in 2009 and Averil Foster in 2017, and they took over the firm by 2018. The Canberra office is on University Avenue, with offices in Moorabbin and Melbourne's CBD.

The firm says litigation is a last resort and it focuses on collaborative law, mediation and face-to-face negotiation. Listed work includes property settlements involving companies, trusts and SMSFs, local and international relocation, and adoption and surrogacy. Associate Chelsea Benac has worked on international child abduction and care and protection matters.

Established 1983.

Also worth knowing

  • Five named lawyers, from associate to partner.

Lawyers

  • Averil Foster, Partner
  • Brooke Johnson, Partner
  • Deborah Wilson, Partner

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • De facto relationships
  • Mediation
  • Collaborative law
  • Family violence
  • International family law
  • Surrogacy

Office

Level 6, 28 University Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601

Other details

Other offices
Moorabbin and Melbourne CBD (VIC)

Sources

Back to the shortlist

8. HCC Lawyers

Canberra CityFamily law team in a broader firm

4.9

35 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Separations that also need property transfer or estate planning work, and clients in Canberra and the Yass Valley

  • Partner Holly Gunn and Senior Associate Hayley Kelloway are registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners who can issue section 60I certificates.
  • Listed family law services include surrogacy and donor agreements, adoption and collaboration.
  • Partner Stuart Cameron has practised only in family law since 2002.

Accredited family law specialists (1) Stuart Cameron

(02) 6147 3388 Visit website
Fees
Not published on the firm's website. Ask for a written estimate.
Office
Level 8, 1 Hobart Place, Canberra ACT 2601
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

HCC Lawyers (Hijazi Curran Cameron Lawyers) has its Canberra office at Level 8, 1 Hobart Place, with offices in Murrumbateman and Fairy Meadow. The firm handles family law, mediation, conveyancing, wills and estates, and commercial work.

Stuart Cameron advises on parenting, property, child support and family violence matters and says he aims for negotiated outcomes. Chloe Curran, based at Murrumbateman, works across family law, conveyancing and estate planning. Leah McGowan practises only in family law and was admitted in 2016.

Established 2017.

Also worth knowing

  • Partner Holly Gunn has practised mainly in family law since 2010.

Lawyers

Specialist status checked on the Law Society of NSW register on 11 Oct 2026.

  • Stuart Cameron, PartnerAccredited family law specialist
  • Holly Gunn, Partner
  • Leah McGowan, Senior Associate

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • De facto relationships
  • Mediation
  • Collaborative law
  • Family violence
  • Surrogacy

Office

Level 8, 1 Hobart Place, Canberra ACT 2601

Other details

Other offices
Murrumbateman NSW and Fairy Meadow (Wollongong) NSW

Sources

Back to the shortlist

10. Fulcrum Family Law

GriffithFamily law only

5.0

31 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Financial matters and parenting disputes with significant risk factors, for clients on Canberra's south side

  • The firm states it has qualified Independent Children's Lawyers in-house.
  • Managing Partner Courtney Mullen has an Economics degree from ANU and is a trained Independent Children's Lawyer.
  • Special Counsel Natasha Priestly led a community legal sector family law practice and co-lectured family law in 2025.
(02) 6176 3431 Visit website
Fees
Fixed fees for collaborative family law, consent orders and financial agreements. Fees for a first meeting are not published.
Office
Level 1, 34 Bougainville Street, Griffith ACT 2603
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

Fulcrum Family Law works from Bougainville Street in Griffith, near Manuka. The about page names five lawyers, from solicitor to managing partner. The firm lists collaborative law, mediation and court work, and an online questionnaire gives information before the first appointment.

Courtney Mullen founded the firm after partner roles at other Canberra family law firms and earlier community legal sector work. Victoria Blakeley lectured family law for three years and is trained in collaborative law.

Also worth knowing

  • Services listed include grandparents and other interested parties and third party property interests.

Lawyers

  • Courtney Mullen, Managing Partner
  • Victoria Blakeley, Special Counsel
  • Natasha Priestly, Special Counsel

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • De facto relationships
  • Mediation
  • Collaborative law
  • Family violence
  • Surrogacy
  • Grandparents' rights

Office

Level 1, 34 Bougainville Street, Griffith ACT 2603

Sources

Back to the shortlist

Details come from each firm's website and the Law Society of NSW register, checked October 2026. Google ratings are shown as published on Google and don't affect the order. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

How we selected these Canberra firms

We recorded 37 family law firms with offices in Canberra City and greater Canberra, including Belconnen, Gungahlin, Woden, Tuggeranong and the inner south, and Queanbeyan, then read each firm's own website: team, services, contact and fees pages. 10 made the shortlist. We favoured firms where family law is the main practice, with named family lawyers in the Canberra office, accredited specialists we could confirm on the Law Society of NSW register, and clear published information about how they work.

Firms were left out for reasons such as:

  • Firms without a street address on their website (PO Box only)
  • Mediation and dispute resolution services that do not act for one party
  • Broader firms where family law is not listed or no Canberra family lawyers are named
  • Firms whose website did not load or blocked access when checked
  • Firms whose family lawyers are based outside the Canberra and Queanbeyan area

How the order was set

The numbers are an editorial order, not a score. We weighed the same criteria together: firms come earlier where family law is the firm's whole practice, where more of the Canberra team are accredited specialists we could confirm on the Law Society of NSW register, and where the firm publishes clear information about who you would deal with and how it charges. We also kept variety on the list, so firms with a particular focus or location, such as collaborative law, international matters, surrogacy, Belconnen or Griffith, are included even with smaller teams.

Firms close to each other in the order aren't meaningfully different, and a lower number doesn't mean a firm is a worse choice for your matter. The right firm depends on the kind of matter you have. Google ratings don't affect the order, and no firm has paid to be listed or placed. Read the full method.

Family law in Canberra: courts and free help

Family law cases in Canberra go through the Canberra registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia at the Nigel Bowen Commonwealth Law Courts, on the corner of University Avenue and Childers Street. Legal Aid ACT has a free duty lawyer there every weekday from 9am to 3pm. Family Violence Order applications are made separately at the ACT Magistrates Court.

Legal Aid ACT runs a Helpline on 1300 654 314, a walk-in office at 2 Allsop Street and lawyer-assisted family dispute resolution conferences. Relationships Australia Canberra & Region runs the Family Relationship Centre at 15 Napier Close, Deakin. The Women's Legal Centre ACT helps women with family law matters and runs outreach appointments in Queanbeyan.

Most of the firms listed here are in Canberra City, with three at 1 Hobart Place and others on University Avenue, Rudd Street, Farrell Place and in NewActon. Others are in Deakin, Griffith and Belconnen. Several listed lawyers hold Law Society of NSW family law specialist accreditation and appear on its register.

Where matters are heard

  • Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Canberra registry

    Nigel Bowen Commonwealth Law Courts, corner of University Avenue and Childers Street, Canberra ACT 2601

    Family law registry for Canberra. Legal Aid ACT runs a free Family Law Duty Service at the court, Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm, no appointment needed. Court enquiries 1300 352 000.

  • ACT Magistrates Court

    Applications for Family Violence Orders and Personal Protection Orders are filed at the court registry, open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm. Free Legal Aid lawyers at the Domestic Violence and Personal Protection Unit, 9am to 3pm weekdays.

Family Violence Orders in the ACT

In the ACT, a person experiencing family violence can apply for a Family Violence Order at the ACT Magistrates Court by filing three forms at the registry. Free advice is available from Legal Aid lawyers at the Domestic Violence and Personal Protection Unit inside the court, Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. If an interim order is sought, the interim hearing must happen within 2 business days. Police can help with after hours orders. Source

Legal Aid, mediation and community legal centres

  • Legal Aid ACT

    2 Allsop Street, Canberra City ACT 2601

    Helpline 1300 654 314 (Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 7pm, Friday 8.30am to 5pm). Walk-in help at the office Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm. Free family law information sessions on divorce, parenting and dividing assets.

  • Legal Aid ACT Family Dispute Resolution

    2 Allsop Street, Canberra City ACT 2601

    Lawyer-assisted FDR conferences for parenting and property disputes. At least one party must have a lawyer. Free for people with a grant of legal aid. Phone (02) 6243 3411.

  • Family Advocacy and Support Services (FASS)

    Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, corner of University Avenue and Childers Street, Canberra ACT

    Free duty lawyer and social support worker service for families with family law matters affected by family violence. Phone 1300 654 314.

  • Relationships Australia Canberra & Region, Family Relationship Centre

    15 Napier Close, Deakin ACT

    Phone (02) 6122 7100. Listed in the Family Law Pathways Network ACT services directory published by Legal Aid ACT.

  • Women's Legal Centre ACT

    GPO Box 1726, Canberra City ACT 2601 (postal)

    Free family law advice and representation for women, trans and gender diverse people, with a focus on family violence. Intake line 9am to 5pm weekdays on (02) 6257 4377 or 1800 634 669. Outreach appointments include Your Place Housing Support Service in Queanbeyan.

  • Canberra Community Law

    Level 5, 10 Rudd Street, Canberra City ACT 2601

    Free legal help with public housing and Centrelink problems for people experiencing domestic violence.

Checking a lawyer before you engage them

Every solicitor practising in Australian Capital Territory needs a current practising certificate. You can search the ACT Law Society Find a Lawyer directory (the Society describes it as a directory of ACT lawyers; it is not described as a register of practising certificates), which also shows who holds family law specialist accreditation.

Family lawyers in Canberra: common questions

Where are family law cases heard in Canberra?

Family law cases for Canberra go through the Canberra registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, at the Nigel Bowen Commonwealth Law Courts on the corner of University Avenue and Childers Street. Legal Aid ACT has a free duty lawyer at the court from 9am to 3pm on weekdays, and you do not need an appointment.

Is there free family law help in Canberra?

Legal Aid ACT runs a free Helpline on 1300 654 314 and a walk-in service at 2 Allsop Street, Canberra City, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm. It gives limited one-off advice on parenting and property matters and can help start urgent proceedings. It also runs free family law information sessions. The Women's Legal Centre ACT gives free family law help to women, trans and gender diverse people.

Do I need to try mediation before going to court about children?

Usually yes. Legal Aid ACT says you must usually attend family dispute resolution before taking a parenting dispute to court, with some exceptions, including family violence and urgency. Legal Aid ACT runs lawyer-assisted family dispute resolution conferences, which are free if you have a grant of legal aid. Relationships Australia Canberra & Region runs the Family Relationship Centre in Deakin.

How do I get a Family Violence Order in Canberra?

You file an application at the ACT Magistrates Court registry, which is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm. Free Legal Aid lawyers are at the Domestic Violence and Personal Protection Unit inside the court from 9am to 3pm on weekdays. Police can help with after hours orders. In an emergency, call 000.

What help is there at court if my family law case involves family violence?

Legal Aid ACT's Family Advocacy and Support Services (FASS) gives free help to families with family law matters affected by family violence. A duty lawyer can give advice and help with urgent parenting applications, and a support worker can help with safety planning around court. Call 1300 654 314 or email [email protected].

General information only, not legal advice.

Family lawyers in other cities: SydneyMelbourneBrisbanePerthAdelaideGold CoastNewcastleSunshine CoastCentral CoastHobartDarwin

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