The Family Advocacy and Support Service recognises that people coming to the Family Law Courts have more than legal needs.

Who is this service for?

The Family Advocacy and Support Service is a free service providing assistance to families with family law matters who have been affected by family violence.

Duty Lawyer Service

The Family Advocacy and Support Service has a Duty Lawyer, who can:

  • Help you in relation to family law matters, family violence matters and child protection matters. This help may include giving you advice, giving information, and letting you know where else you can find help;
  • Draft simple court documents in matters involving allegations of family violence;
  • Help you gather information and evidence about family violence;
  • Go to court with you on matters where there are allegations of family violence;
  • Go to court with you for urgent interim matters where there are allegations of family violence.

The Duty Lawyer cannot:

  • Complete complex documentation and affidavits in non-urgent matters;
  • Represent you in contravention applications and final hearings;
  • Be an Independent Children’s Lawyer in your matter;
  • Offer ongoing help.

Social Support Service

The Family Advocacy Support Service Social Support worker can:

  • Help you make a plan for your safety when you go to court;
  • Help you with court staff and security staff;
  • Support you before, during and after court;
  • Let you know of other social services that can help you too;
  • Help you with receiving support from other social services.

The Family Advocacy Support Service Social Support worker cannot:

  • Give legal help;
  • Provide ongoing counselling.

Do I need to make an appointment?

You can phone the Family Advocacy and Support Service to make an appointment on 1800 431 157.

You can also drop in at any time at the Family Court Registries or Tasmania Legal Aid offices listed in this brochure to make an appointment.

The Duty Lawyer will need to prioritise those appearing in court on days that the court is in session.

Where can I find the Family Advocacy and Support Service

Hobart
Family Court – 1st Floor 39-41 Davey Street
Tasmania Legal Aid – 158 Liverpool Street

Launceston
Family Court – 3rd Floor ANZ Building, Corner
Brisbane & George Streets
Tasmania Legal Aid – 64 Cameron Street

North West Tasmania
Burnie Magistrates Court – 38 Alexander Street (when Federal Circuit Court is sitting)
Tasmania Legal Aid – 50 Alexander Street

The Family Advocacy and Support Service is funded by the Australian Government

The Family Advocacy and Support Service includes both a duty lawyer service and a social support service.

This is an integrated service to help people with their legal and social needs.

The Family Advocacy and Support Service can help get you on the right track.

child safe organisation

We are a Child Safe organisation

At Relationships Australia Tasmania (RA Tas) we consider the health, safety and wellbeing of all children and young people to be our highest priority. We strive to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. In particular, through our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.

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Talk to our professional staff today.

Our staff are here to help you find the support and service that is right for you and guide you through the process.