The Early Intervention Unit can help you sort it out before it gets serious.
The Early Intervention Unit (EIU) is a specialist service of Legal Aid NSW. We can help you confidentially resolve your family law issues as early as possible, without the need to go through a long court process.
We are separate from the other family lawyers at Legal Aid NSW. This means that there is no conflict of interest and we can help you even if you are in dispute with someone who is receiving help from Legal Aid NSW.
Sort out your legal problem now – act early. Phone: 1800 551 589
We can help if you are a mum, dad, grandparent or other family member. When you talk with us, you can bring a person you trust such as:
- A counsellor or case worker
- An Aboriginal Field Officer
- Close friend or family member.
We help people to sort out family issues as early as possible before they become serious.
Sometimes you can sort things out by agreement and by acting early. Seeing an early intervention lawyer may help you better understand your problem and the choices that you have.
- Problems seeing your kids.
- Arrangements to look after kids within the family.
- Child support.
- Problems with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) – (used to be called FACS or DOCS) – get legal advice as soon as possible.
- Provide legal advice and information
- Find a family mediation service to make it easier to sort out your disagreement
- Find a lawyer to represent you in an ongoing case (if you are eligible for a grant of legal aid)
- Help you to apply for a grant of legal aid
- Put you in touch with a duty lawyer at the court.
- Refer you to support services
- Run your court case on an ongoing basis
- Write difficult legal documents
- Give you a solicitor’s certificate of independent legal advice
- Witness documents
If you need legal advice urgently, we may be able to give you advice over the phone. Call us on 1800 551 589.
Where can I get more help?
| Organisation | Information | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT | The Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT (ALS) gives free legal advice and provides legal representation in criminal and children’s care and protection matters | Phone: 1800 733 233 Website: www.alsnswact.org.au |
| Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre | Wirringa Baiya is a community legal centre for Aboriginal women, children and youth living in NSW. They provide free legal advice and representation relating to family violence. | Phone: 1800 686 587 |
| First Nations Women’s Legal Contact Line | This toll-free line is staffed by Aboriginal women and is open Mon, Tues and Thurs. | Phone; 1800 639 784 |
| Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) | If you need an interpreter (9am – 5pm) and ask for LawAccess NSW. | Phone: 131 450 |
| National Relay Service (NRS) | If you find it hard to hear or speak, ask for LawAccess NSW. | Phone: 133 677 Website: www.relayservice. gov.au |
September 2020