On July 20
Legal Aid NSW implemented changes to the family law property policy to ensure people who are experiencing or at risk of domestic or family violence and/or who have a disability can access grants of legal aid for property settlement matters after separation.
Legal Aid NSW research indicated that the previous family law property policy contained some barriers to access to legal assistance for these client groups.
Where a person was not retaining the family home, eligibility for legal aid was only available to those who met an exceptional circumstances test and were likely to receive less than $80,000 from a property settlement.
To ensure people experiencing domestic or family violence and/or who have a disability can access grants of legal aid for property matters, the policy has removed the $80,000 limit and the experience of domestic or family violence and disability is now included in the eligibility criteria.
This change applies to applications for legal aid determined on or after 20 July, 2020.
Details of the policy change can be found in Policy Bulletin 2020 No. 8 (Family Law Policy – Property Policy)

HOW WE CAN HELP

Even during the current pandemic, we are open and available for support and advice for anyone experiencing family violence who is worried about how potential self-isolation or quarantine will or is impacting on their safety and wellbeing.

The range of assistance we can offer you include:

  1. Free initial consultations for all new callers.
  2. Help with Applications for Parenting and Property orders.
  3. Help with Urgent Applications for the recovery of children.
  4. Help with Applications for Exclusive Occupancy of the family home.
  5. Help with Contravention Applications where COVID-19 situation is utilised by one party as an excuse to breach existing parenting or property arrangements and orders.
  6. Help with Urgent Spousal Support Applications.

This is not the full list of services we provide, and we will be able to guide you as to what particular legal options are available in your individual situation.

 

WHO ELSE CAN HELP

CALL 000 or contact the police – if you are in danger

CALL 1800 015 188 – SAFE STEPS 24/7 family violence response line on – for confidential crisis support, information and accommodation. If it is unsafe to call, email safesteps@safesteps.org.au.

CALL 1800 RESPECT – the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line for advice on developing a safety plan or see their website.

CALL 1800 457 870 – MENSLINE – 24/7 professional counselling service assisting with men’s mental health, relationship & divorce, emotional wellbeing, social connection.

CALL 13 11 14 – LIFELINE – providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services

CALL 1800 55 1800 – KIDHELPSLINE –  free private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.