Family Advocacy and Support Services (FASS) provide free and confidential legal and social support to people affected by domestic and family violence and have a family law matter.
FASS can help you if:
- you have experienced family violence; or
- another person has said you have used family violence.
FASS services are available before, during and/or after court events.
FASS includes duty lawyers as well as both male and female and gender diverse-focused social support workers. They can help with both legal issues and safety and wellbeing needs.
Support available through FASS may include:
- legal information and advice about family law matters
- support at court
- safety planning
- referrals to other legal, counselling and community support services
- help connecting with other services that may assist you and your family.
You can still receive support from a FASS social support worker even if you already have your own lawyer.
Find your Local FASS
Each State and Territory has its own Family Advocacy and Support Service. Below are the contact details. You can also find more information here: FASS - Family Advocacy & Support Services | Family Violence Law Help
Australian Capital Territory
If you need help with your legal or non-legal issues from a duty lawyer or FASS social support worker, please call 1300 654 314 to be transferred to the FASS and Family Violence team.
You can also contact FASS by email at fass@legalaidact.org.au.
For more information, see the Legal Aid ACT website.
New South Wales
If you need help with your legal issues and want to speak to a duty lawyer, please call the Legal Aid NSW Early Intervention Unit on 1800 551 589.
If you need help with your non-legal issues and want to speak to a FASS social support worker, please call FASS social support services for men on 1300 003 277 or FASS social support services for women on 1800 113 277.
For more information, see Legal Aid NSW.
Northern Territory
If you need help with your legal or non-legal issues from a duty lawyer or FASS social support worker, please call 1800 019 343.
For more information, see Legal Aid NT.
Queensland
If you need help with your legal or non-legal issues from a duty lawyer or FASS social support worker, please call 1300 267 762.
For more information, see Legal Aid Queensland.
South Australia
If you need help with your legal or non-legal issues from a duty lawyer or FASS social support worker, please call (08) 8111 5300.
You can also contact FASS by email: family.dutylawyer@lsc.sa.gov.au
For more information, see Legal Services Commission of South Australia.
Tasmania
If you need help with your legal or non-legal issues from a duty lawyer or FASS social support worker, please call 1800 431 157 for an appointment or further information.
For more information, see Tasmania Legal Aid.
Victoria
If you need help with your legal or non-legal issues from a duty lawyer or FASS social support worker, please call (03) 8610 9803 to speak to the FASS Information and Referral Officer who will talk to you about your situation and refer you for help.
For more information, see Victoria Legal Aid.
Western Australia
If you need help with your legal or non-legal issues from a duty lawyer or FASS social support worker, please call 1300 650 579.
You can also contact FASS by email: FASS@legalaid.wa.gov.au.
For more information, see Legal Aid WA.
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.
