Family Law - Other Resources:

  • Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA)

    The FCFCOA is the primary court for handling family law matters, including divorce applications, parenting disputes, property settlements, and spousal maintenance. It also oversees matters involving child custody, relocation, and enforcement of court orders. The court aims to resolve disputes efficiently through mediation and judicial determination, with a strong focus on the best interests of the children.

  • Magistrates' Court of Victoria (Family Violence Intervention Orders - FVIO)

    The Magistrates’ Court deals with family violence matters, including applications for Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs) to protect individuals from harm or threats by family members. FVIOs aim to prevent further abuse and ensure safety by imposing restrictions on the respondent’s behavior. The court also handles breaches of orders and criminal matters related to family violence incidents.

  • Victoria Legal Aid (VLA)

    Victoria Legal Aid provides free or low-cost legal advice, representation, and family dispute resolution services for individuals experiencing separation, divorce, or family violence. VLA helps clients navigate family law courts, negotiate parenting arrangements, and secure fair property settlements. They also assist in applying for intervention orders and protecting vulnerable individuals. Eligibility for services depends on income and circumstances.

  • Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV)

    Relationships Australia Victoria offers family support services, including mediation, family dispute resolution (FDR), counselling, and parenting programs. They help families going through separation or conflict to reach agreements on parenting arrangements and property settlements without going to court. RAV focuses on fostering healthy relationships and ensuring the well-being of children during and after disputes.

  • Family Relationships Online

    A government initiative providing resources and information for families navigating separation, parenting agreements, and family law services. Family Relationships Online connects individuals with family dispute resolution services, counselling, and support networks to resolve issues outside of court where possible. It also offers a national advice line for immediate assistance.

  • The Orange Door

    A free family violence support service for individuals, families, and children experiencing family violence or needing assistance with child safety. The Orange Door provides coordinated support, including risk assessments, safety planning, and referrals to specialist services like housing, legal aid, and counselling.

  • Family Violence Services - Safe Steps

    Safe Steps is Victoria’s statewide family violence crisis response center. It offers 24/7 support, including crisis intervention, risk assessment, emergency accommodation, and safety planning for victims of family violence. Safe Steps connects individuals with ongoing support services to rebuild their lives safely.

  • Child Support Services – Services Australia

    Services Australia provides guidance and assistance with child support arrangements, including calculating payments, enforcing obligations, and resolving disputes. The service helps parents establish fair contributions to meet children’s financial needs following separation or divorce.

  • The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) – Find a Lawyer Service

    The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) offers a "Find a Lawyer" service, connecting individuals with accredited family law specialists across the state. Whether you need assistance with divorce, child custody, property settlements, or intervention orders, LIV helps locate trusted and experienced legal professionals to suit your needs.

  • Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV)

    The DSCV provides free mediation and dispute resolution services for family conflicts, including parenting disputes, family breakdowns, and property issues. Their goal is to help families resolve matters amicably and avoid litigation by encouraging open communication and structured negotiation.

  • Better Place Australia

    Better Place Australia offers family mediation, counselling, and financial advice to assist families in transition due to separation or divorce. Their family dispute resolution services are designed to help parents reach child-focused parenting agreements while minimizing conflict and stress.

  • Court Network Victoria

    Court Network provides volunteer support services to individuals attending family courts in Victoria. They offer practical assistance, emotional support, and information to help clients navigate the family law process, ensuring no one feels overwhelmed or alone during proceedings.

  • Women's Legal Service Victoria (WLSV)

    WLSV provides free legal advice, representation, and support for women experiencing family violence, separation, and parenting disputes. They focus on helping women protect their rights, navigate the family court system, and achieve safety and stability for themselves and their children.

  • Men's Referral Service (No to Violence)

    The Men's Referral Service provides support and counselling for men seeking help with family violence matters. They assist men in addressing harmful behavior, understanding legal implications, and finding pathways to positive change while ensuring family safety.

  • Victoria Police – Family Violence Unit

    Victoria Police plays a critical role in responding to family violence incidents, ensuring immediate protection through intervention orders and enforcement of breaches. The Family Violence Unit works closely with courts, legal services, and support organizations to safeguard victims.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1800RESPECT

    1800RESPECT is a national 24/7 counselling and support service for individuals impacted by family violence or abuse. The hotline provides confidential advice, risk assessments, safety planning, and referrals to legal and support services across Australia.

  • Parents Beyond Breakup (PBB)

    Parents Beyond Breakup supports separating parents, particularly fathers and grandparents, struggling with family breakdowns. They offer peer support, counselling, and resources to help maintain strong relationships with children post-separation.

  • Family Advocacy and Support Services (FASS)

    FASS provides integrated legal and social support services for individuals involved in family law proceedings, particularly where family violence is an issue. They assist with legal advice, representation, safety planning, and emotional support for both applicants and respondents.

  • Child Protection Services – Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH)

    DFFH manages child protection services in Victoria, ensuring children’s safety and welfare in cases of abuse, neglect, or family breakdown. They collaborate with courts and family support services to protect vulnerable children and stabilize families.

  • Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

    VALS provides culturally sensitive legal support and advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families dealing with family law issues, including child protection, family violence, parenting arrangements, and property disputes.

  • Kids Helpline

    A national 24/7 counselling service for children and young people up to age 25. Kids Helpline provides free, confidential support for children struggling with family separation, domestic conflict, and emotional stress.

  • Anglicare Victoria

    Anglicare Victoria offers family support services, including parenting programs, financial counselling, and family mediation. They focus on supporting families during times of crisis, separation, and family violence to achieve positive outcomes for children.

  • CatholicCare Victoria

    CatholicCare provides family relationship counselling, mediation, and post-separation support services. They assist families navigating the challenges of separation and divorce while prioritizing the emotional well-being of children and parents.

  • Berry Street

    Berry Street supports families experiencing violence, trauma, and family breakdown. Their services include family violence counselling, parenting support, and child-focused programs to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable family members.

  • Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV)

    DVRCV provides education, resources, and support services for individuals impacted by family violence. They offer tools to recognize abuse, access intervention orders, and connect with crisis services. Their programs focus on prevention and long-term recovery.

  • Justice Connect

    Justice Connect connects individuals facing family law issues with pro bono legal services. They focus on assisting vulnerable individuals with limited resources to access legal representation and advice for family violence, separation, and property disputes.

  • Safe and Equal

    Safe and Equal is a peak body for family violence services in Victoria. They advocate for systemic change, provide training for family violence practitioners, and connect individuals to support services addressing family safety and recovery.

  • Head to Health – Family Support and Mental Health

    Head to Health is a national resource providing access to mental health support for individuals and families experiencing emotional distress during separation, family breakdown, or domestic conflict.

  • MensLine Australia

    MensLine offers 24/7 support for men dealing with family breakdown, custody disputes, and family violence issues. They provide free and confidential counselling, practical advice, and referrals to family law and relationship services.

  • LGBTIQ+ Family Violence Support – Rainbow Door

    Rainbow Door offers family violence and relationship support for LGBTIQ+ individuals. Services include counselling, legal referrals, and assistance with family breakdowns, ensuring tailored care for diverse families and relationships.

  • Carers Victoria

    Carers Victoria supports individuals who care for children or family members with additional needs during or after separation. They provide emotional support, counselling, and advice on navigating family law matters involving care arrangements.

  • Centrelink – Separation and Family Assistance

    Centrelink provides financial support for individuals and families going through separation or divorce. Services include Family Tax Benefits, Child Care Subsidy, and Parenting Payment, as well as separation-specific information to help navigate financial adjustments during a family breakdown.

  • InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence

    InTouch provides family violence support for migrant and refugee women, combining case management, legal advice, and culturally sensitive assistance. They address challenges like language barriers, visa status, and cultural stigma to ensure safe outcomes.

  • Domestic Violence Victoria (DV Vic)

    DV Vic is the peak body for family violence services in Victoria, offering training, policy advice, and referral pathways for individuals and practitioners. They focus on prevention, early intervention, and connecting families with support services.

  • Relationships Australia – Family Violence Prevention Programs

    In addition to mediation and counselling, Relationships Australia provides programs to address and prevent family violence. Services include behavior change programs, support for victims, and tools to build healthier family dynamics post-separation.

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