Duty Counsel (Family Law) - Victoria

Family duty counsel (FDC) services are available to eligible people with low incomes who are representing themselves in court and dealing with family law matters. FDC can provide advice about custody, parenting time, contact/access, child support, child protection, guardianship, tentative settlement agreements, property (limited), and court procedures. FDC can speak on a client's behalf in court on simple matters, provide legal advice, attend case conferences, and assist in Supreme Court if the matter is simple, unopposed, or by consent. Priority is given to eligible people who are in court that day, either on the court list or to make emergency court applications. Once court ends, FDC may have time to provide advice on a drop-in basis to people who are not appearing in court that day. In-person services available from 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday.