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Children's Court New South Wales
Legal help with AVO cases
Children who are defendants
All children and young people appearing before the Children’s Court as defendants are entitled to be represented by a lawyer from Legal Aid NSW or a lawyer paid for by Legal Aid NSW.
A duty lawyer service is available at Children’s Courts and Local Courts throughout the state. A lawyer can give you advice and represent you in court on the first court date. This service does not cost money.
Children’s Legal Service (CLS) is the specialist unit of Legal Aid NSW whose lawyers provides advice and representation for all children who are defendants in Apprehended Domestic Violence proceedings.
Law Society of NSW
If you do not wish to be represented by Legal Aid, the Law Society provides an online search to help you find a qualified lawyer suitable for your matter. You will need to pay fees for the lawyer. See the Law Society of NSW Solicitor Referral Service.
Victims (or persons in need of protection)
Domestic Violence Liaison Officers (DVLO's)
Domestic Violence Liaison Officers are specialist police officers, trained in domestic and family violence and child protection. Each of the Local Area Commands in NSW has one or more DVLO’s and they are located at the major police stations.
DVLO's can provide advice and support to victims and help with the AVO court process. They can also give referrals to support agencies who can help victims, such as refuges. One of their other roles is to monitor repeat victims and perpetrators.
To contact a local Domestic Violence Liaison Officer, phone your local police station and ask to speak to the ‘DVLO’.
Women's Legal Services
Women's Legal Services provides a free community legal service for women in NSW. It’s specialist services include a Domestic Violence Legal Service, which provides legal advice and advocacy for women experiencing domestic and family violence.
Community Legal Centres
Community Legal Centres (CLC) are independant, non government organisations that offer a range of legal services to people and communities. Services include but are not limited to:
- Information and referral
- Advice on legal matters
- Legal casework and representation in targeted areas of law
- Community legal education
- Law reform and public policy development and advocacy.
Last updated:
05 Sep 2023
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