Skip to content | Change text size
 

Monash Oakleigh Legal Service

Family Law Assistance Program

The Family Law Assistance Program is a self-help clinical workshop program designed to assist people involved in Family Court litigation who do not have legal representation. It is administered by Monash University and funded by the Commonwealth Attorney General's Department.

The program aims to provide information on family law procedure, mediation and other forms of dispute resolution and the impact family breakdown can have on those involved.

This program also provides advanced education for Monash Law students, providing a multi-disciplinary approach to clients' needs. Each participant in the workshop program is assisted by a final year law student who will help them form a broad understanding and find, where possible, resolution to their family law problem. All students are supervised by qualified lawyers.

Program objectives

The Family Law Assistance Program aims to provide participants with the knowledge and support they need to undertake their own case before the Family Court or the Federal Magistrates' Court.

Students take participants through the legal process, providing information on required forms, how to lodge an application, how to appear before a registrar or judge, court etiquette and the numerous other procedures required by the court.

Students also provide clients with knowledge of Primary Dispute Resolution (PDR) and other counselling and parenting programs they may be required to undertake throughout the course of their case.

At the end of each workshop, participants should be able to:

  • Represent themselves in the Family Court
  • Write and respond to opposing legal practitioners
  • Find assistance from counselling and PDR groups
  • Protect and preserve the interests of children involved in the situation
  • Progress through their case with a good understanding of what is needed and what is to come
  • Develop a sense of achievement and satisfaction, and a thorough understanding of the required process
  • Save money and move forward with their lives. 

Who can access the program

The Family Law Assistance Program can be accessed by anyone needing support in resolving their family law situation. However, people wishing to participate need to be aware that they:

  • Will be assisted by law students under appropriate supervision
  • Will be encouraged to mediate, conciliate and resolve their matters in a positive manner
  • Will be encouraged to attend counselling and access other appropriate support services
  • Accept responsibility for their own case, its conduct and its outcome
  • Must sign a contract of acceptance of the program and its conditions. 

Family Court assistance

The Family Law Assistance Program operates from the Dandenong Registry of the Family Court each Monday, and self representing clients are able to receive advice and assistance in relation to the preparation and presentation of their cases. However, Family Law Assistance Program students do not represent clients in court.

Appointment times

Note: Appointments are essential:

Tuesday: 1.30 - 5 pm
Wednesday: 1.30 - 5 pm
Thursday: 9.30 am - 1 pm
Friday: 9.30 am - 1 pm

Phone + 61 3 9905 4339 during business hours Tuesday to Friday to make an appointment.

It is necessary to make an appointment if you require assistance as program staff and students are unable to provide legal advice over the telephone.

Please be aware there may be a waiting period of several weeks for an appointment.