Family Law Conference Program What is a family law conference? A family law conference is a meeting between the people involved in a family law dispute, arranged by Legal Aid. The aim is to help you resolve your dispute, so you don't have to go to court. Who can use this service? To take part in a conference, either you or the other party to your dispute must have been granted legal aid for your family law problem. A grant of legal aid pays for a lawyer to represent you at the conference. Why should I attend a conference? It is a good way to settle your dispute without going to court. It is less stressful to resolve a dispute out of court. It is an opportunity to express your point of view openly and try to work out a solution that all parties agree on. Conferences can resolve disputes more quickly than going to court. What can I expect from a conference? A fair chance to have your say and get with finding solutions that meet your needs. Information shared at the conference is treated as confidential whenever possible. Who comes to the conference? You and the other person will meet with either one or two independent chairpersons. Your lawyers are encouraged to attend although this is not essential. A lawyer for the children may also be present. What happens at a conference? You and the other person state your concerns about your dispute. The chairpersons then help you to try to work out the issues and come to an agreement which will resolve the dispute. You can ask your lawyer for advice at any stage. In some conferences you and the other person are in separate rooms and the chairpersons move between you. Conferences may also take place by telephone if: you and the other person live far apart there are no chairpersons in your area or one of you feels unsafe or intimidated by the other. After the conference, if the dispute isn't resolved, the chairpersons will make recommendations to Legal Aid about whether legal aid should be continued. Their recommendations are mainly based on the legal merits of your case, including whether it has a reasonable chance of success in court. How does a conference happen? The first step is for you or the other person (or both) to apply for legal aid for a conference. To find out how, call (02) 9219 5160 Or If you apply for legal aid to go to court, and we think a conference might help, we may require you to attend a conference. However, a conference may not be a good idea if there's a background of domestic violence, intimidation, child abuse, mental illness or other matters of concern. Please let your solicitor or Legal Aid know if you have concerns about taking part in a conference. Can I still get legal aid for a conference if the other person already has it? Yes, you can, so long as you're eligible (legal aid is means-tested). Will a conference cost me anything? If you have legal aid for the conference, any cost will be limited to a small contribution. If you don't have legal aid and you want your lawyer to attend, you will have to pay their fees. Can I get a conference wherever I live? Conferences are available anywhere in NSW, either face to face or by telephone. How long does a conference take? Conferences can take up to half a day. You should keep at least four hours free. What if I need an interpreter? Legal Aid will arrange one, as long as you let them know. If neither of us can get legal aid, is there a similar service elsewhere? You can ask a trained mediator to help you resolve your dispute. A mediator is an independent person who listens to both sides and helps you reach an agreement. Mediation Services-Sydney Couples and Family Mediation Service (02) 9387 4211 Unifam (02) 9261 4077 Centacare (02) 9725 7077 Community Justice Centre (02) 9262 7844 or toll free 1800 671 964 Outside Sydney If you live outside Sydney, ask your local legal aid office for the contact number of mediation services in your area, or contact LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 or 1300 889 529 TTY.

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The information contained on this page is not legal advice. If you have a legal problem you should talk to a lawyer before making a decision about what to do. The information on this page is written for people resident in, or affected by, the laws of New South Wales, Australia only.