Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Read about our reduced hours over the holiday period.
Contacting us over the holidays.

Additional supports for independent children’s lawyers

Actions 31 to 35 will improve our independent children's lawyers services through effective funds management and building capacity.

Feedback received about independent children’s lawyers during the Family Law Legal Aid Services Review’s preliminary consultations was generally positive, however a number of suggestions were made about how the role could be more effectively and efficiently administered.

Concerns were expressed by stakeholders about the:

  • lack of an instructing fee to enable instructing in complex matters
  • rigidity of the current guideline requiring independent children’s lawyers to appear as solicitor advocates in final hearings
  • delays sometimes caused when parents struggle to pay for required assessments when there are no disbursements available to cover this cost under the existing guideline.

Victoria Legal Aid proposes to better facilitate cost recovery in relation to the funding of independent children’s lawyers to offset introducing a limited grant for independent children’s lawyers to instruct in proceedings.

We also propose to enhance training for independent children’s lawyers to build their capacity to appear at hearings.

Read the final report

See the Family Law Legal Aid Services Review: final report (docx, 299.61 KB)(opens in a new window) or more information about these actions.

Or read a summary of other themes:

For lawyersLawyers

Updated

Back to top
Legal Help Chat