You are not required to be represented by a lawyer, or to seek legal advice, before entering into consent orders or applying to the Court, or if you have been served with an application. However, family law is complex, and it is advisable to obtain legal advice before you make a decision about what to do or apply to the Court. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities. They can also explain how the law applies to your case. You can get legal advice from a: legal aid office community legal centre, or private law firm. Court staff are not permitted by law to give you legal advice and cannot refer you to a private lawyer. You will be expected to follow the Court’s rules and procedures, even if you Representing yourself. Legal Aid Depending on the type of case you are involved in, and on your personal and financial circumstances, you may be able to obtain free legal advice through Legal Aid in your state or territory. Community Legal Centres Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are independent community organisations that provide free legal advice and services. Some CLCs serve particular geographic areas, and some focus on particular areas of law, such as family law. Find a private lawyer The Court cannot refer you to a private lawyer. However, each state and territory has a professional association of lawyers, who can refer you to a lawyer who practises in family law. The list below gives contact details of organisations that might be able to provide free or low-cost legal advice or assistance or the services of a lawyer. Listing the organisations below is not an endorsement of material on these websites, or of any associated organisation, product or service. Australian Capital Territory Legal help Legal Aid Australian Capital Territory Community Legal Centres in the Australian Capital Territory Legal Advice Bureau Australian Capital Territory Pro-Bono Clearing House Justice Connect Lawyers Lawyers Australian Capital Territory Law Society New South Wales Legal help Legal Aid New South Wales Law Access New South Wales Community Legal Centres in New South Wales Law Society of New South Wales Pro Bono Scheme New South Wales Bar Association Legal Assistance Referral Scheme Justice Connect Lawyers Law Society of New South Wales Northern Territory Legal help Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission Community Legal Centres in the Northern Territory Law Society Northern Territory Pro Bono Clearing House Lawyers Law Society Northern Territory Queensland Legal help Legal Aid Queensland Community Legal Centres in Queensland LawRight Lawyers Queensland Law Society South Australia Legal help Legal Services Commission of South Australia Community Legal Centres in South Australia JusticeNet South Australia Lawyers Law Society of South Australia Tasmania Legal help Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania Community Legal Centres in Tasmania The Law Society of Tasmania Pro Bono Referral Service Justice Connect Lawyers Law Society of Tasmania Victoria Legal help Victoria Legal Aid Community Legal Centres in Victoria Justice Connect Lawyers Law Institute of Victoria Western Australia Legal help Legal Aid Western Australia Community Legal Centres in Western Australia Law Access Lawyers Law Society of Western Australia National Legal help National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services National Association of Community Legal Centres National Legal Aid Related information Court support Representing myself