When facing family law issues, one of the biggest barriers many people experience is the cost of hiring a lawyer. Family breakdowns can already place significant emotional and financial pressure on you, and the thought of paying legal fees on top of that can feel overwhelming.
But what if you simply can’t afford a family lawyer?
Does that mean you’re on your own? Fortunately, there are a number of organisations and services that can provide legal information, guidance, or even representation, often at little to no cost.
11 Places To Get Legal Help When You Can’t Afford A Family Lawyer
Knowing when to seek legal advice is crucial. Even if your situation seems straightforward, family law can be complicated and decisions made without proper guidance may have long-term consequences.
The good news is there are a range of resources available depending on your needs, your circumstances, and your budget (if any).
From free government-funded services to low-cost alternatives and community legal centres, here are 11 places where you can turn for help.
Law Access
Law Access is a not-for-profit organisation in Western Australia that helps connect people with pro bono (free) legal assistance when they cannot afford a lawyer and do not qualify for Legal Aid. The service works by assessing your situation and then attempting to match you with a lawyer who may be able to provide advice or representation on a pro bono basis.
Law Access primarily assists vulnerable and disadvantaged people, as well as charitable and not-for-profit organisations. If your family law matter involves issues such as child custody, parenting arrangements, or property division after separation, you may be able to apply for their help.
However, it’s important to understand that not every application is successful. They receive a large number of requests, so they focus on cases with merit where applicants have no other options available.
While there is no guarantee of being matched, Law Access can be a lifeline if you are ineligible for Legal Aid but still desperately need assistance. Their website offers guidance on eligibility, how to apply, and what supporting documents you’ll need to provide. For many people in WA, Law Access is the last resort before having to represent themselves in court.
AMICA
AMICA is an online service funded by the Australian Government that provides affordable assistance for separating couples. It’s designed to help parties work out simple parenting arrangements and property settlements without the need to go to court.
Using AMICA, you can access plain-language information about your legal rights and responsibilities. The platform guides you step by step through the process of reaching agreements, using artificial intelligence and legal expertise to provide suggestions. It’s especially useful for couples who have a relatively straightforward separation and who are able to communicate amicably.
There is a small fee to use AMICA, but it is significantly less than the cost of engaging a private lawyer. The system can also generate draft agreements that can later be formalised by a lawyer or through the court, if necessary. While AMICA doesn’t replace the need for legal advice in more complex or high-conflict cases, it’s a practical option for those who need guidance but can’t afford ongoing legal fees.
Family Violence Prevention Legal Services (FVPLS)
Family Violence Prevention Legal Services are a vital resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing family violence or sexual assault. These services provide culturally safe legal assistance, including advice, court representation, and support navigating the family law system.
FVPLS focus on helping victims of family violence with related legal matters such as child protection, family law disputes, and restraining orders. They also work to break down barriers to accessing justice by providing outreach, community education, and holistic support tailored to the cultural needs of Indigenous communities.
Importantly, FVPLS often work closely with local communities, ensuring that services are accessible in regional and remote areas where mainstream legal support may be limited. If you or someone you know is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person experiencing family violence, this service can be a critical support system not only for legal help but also for connection to counselling and other community resources.
Community Legal Centres (CLCs)
Community Legal Centres are independent, not-for-profit organisations that provide free or low-cost legal advice and assistance across Western Australia. Many CLCs specialise in certain areas of law, including family law. Services are generally targeted at those who are disadvantaged or otherwise unable to access the legal system.
At a CLC, you can usually book an appointment with a lawyer to get initial advice about your situation. Some centres also run clinics on specific family law issues, such as parenting matters or property settlements. While CLCs don’t typically take on full representation in court, they can give you clear advice, help you prepare documents, and guide you on the next steps.
The demand for CLC services is high, so waiting times can be an issue. However, for those who cannot afford private representation, CLCs are often the first point of contact and can provide invaluable guidance. They can also connect you with other services, including mediation and financial counselling, to support you through your separation.
The Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia
The Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA) provides legal aid to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. While it is best known for its criminal law work, ALSWA also assists in family law matters, particularly those involving children.
ALSWA offers legal advice, assistance with court documents, and representation in some cases. Importantly, it recognises the specific cultural needs and challenges faced by Aboriginal families and provides services in a way that respects those needs. They also work to promote justice and human rights for Aboriginal people through advocacy and law reform.
For Aboriginal families dealing with separation, parenting disputes, or child protection issues, ALSWA can provide essential guidance and support. Their lawyers understand the importance of cultural context in family law, and they often work alongside community organisations to provide holistic assistance.
Legal Aid Western Australia
Legal Aid WA is one of the most well-known sources of affordable legal help in the state. It provides free initial advice to anyone and, in some cases, ongoing legal representation to those who meet their means and merit tests.
Legal Aid WA offers a wide range of family law services, including assistance with divorce, parenting disputes, property settlements, child support, and family violence matters. They also operate duty lawyer services at the Family Court, where lawyers can provide on-the-spot advice and representation for urgent issues.
If you qualify for Legal Aid, you may be able to have a family lawyer represent you in court proceedings at little to no cost. Even if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements for ongoing representation, you can still use their free telephone advice line or attend their legal information sessions. Legal Aid WA is an essential service for many families navigating the legal system without the financial means to pay for a private lawyer.
Family Court Of Western Australia Legal Services Directory
The Family Court of Western Australia hosts an online Legal Services Directory, which provides information about where you can get legal advice, assistance, and representation. This directory brings together contact details for Legal Aid, community legal centres, private lawyers, and other relevant services in one easy-to-access place.
If you’re unsure where to start, the directory is a helpful tool for finding the right service for your needs. It allows you to compare different types of assistance, depending on whether you’re looking for free, low-cost, or private legal advice.
While the directory itself doesn’t provide legal advice, it acts as a gateway to the many services available across WA. It’s especially useful if you’re navigating the system for the first time and don’t know which organisations to approach.
Family Relationship Advice Line
The Family Relationship Advice Line is a national telephone service funded by the Australian Government. It provides free information, advice, and referrals for families going through separation.
The service is designed for parents, grandparents, children, and other family members affected by relationship breakdown. You can call to get general information about family law, parenting arrangements, and family dispute resolution options. If you need more personalised advice, they can refer you to a family relationship centre or another suitable service.
This helpline is particularly helpful if you’re at the early stages of separation and want to understand your options before seeking formal legal advice. It can give you clarity on the process, your responsibilities, and where to get more targeted assistance if necessary.
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice Bureau of WA (CAB) offers low-cost legal advice sessions in a wide range of areas, including family law. Their lawyers provide 20-minute appointments for a small fee, making it an affordable way to get quick guidance on your situation.
CAB can help with issues such as divorce, parenting orders, and property settlements. They also provide family mediation services for family disputes, which can be a cost-effective alternative to going to court. While CAB lawyers don’t generally provide ongoing representation, their advice sessions are often enough to give you clarity on your next steps.
For people who are representing themselves in the Family Court, CAB can also assist with document preparation and procedural guidance. This service is particularly valuable for those who might otherwise feel lost trying to navigate the court system alone.
Law Society of Western Australia
The Law Society of WA operates a Lawyer Referral Service, which can connect you with experienced family lawyers. While the service itself doesn’t provide free legal advice, it can help you find a lawyer who offers an initial consultation at a reduced cost.
This can be a good option if you have a little money to spend and want professional advice tailored to your situation. The Law Society also provides information about practising lawyers’ areas of expertise, so you can find someone who specialises in family law and understands the complexities of your case.
For people who are not sure where to start, the Lawyer Referral Service is a reliable way to connect with trusted professionals. Even a single consultation with the right lawyer can provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions moving forward.
Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Western Australia
The Family Law Practitioners’ Association of WA (FLPA WA) is a professional body for family lawyers and related professionals. While it does not provide legal advice directly to the public, its website offers a directory of members who specialise in family law.
This directory can help you find a lawyer who suits your needs, whether you are looking for someone with specific expertise (such as complex property settlements or child custody disputes) or who offers services within your budget. Some members may offer initial free consultations or flexible fee arrangements.
FLPA WA also provides resources and information for the public, helping you understand the role of family lawyers and the processes involved in family law matters. While it’s not a free service, it’s a valuable starting point for finding a qualified lawyer in your area.
When you’re going through a separation or family dispute, the thought of managing it all without legal support can be daunting. Thankfully, there are many services available to help, even if you can’t afford private representation. Whether you access free advice, community-based support, or low-cost consultations, getting professional guidance can make a huge difference to the outcome of your divorce.
If you’re looking for experienced and compassionate family lawyers in Perth, Hickman Family Lawyers are here to help.
We offer a free 15-minute no obligation information call to help you understand your options and take the first step towards resolving your family law issues – book yours online now!
