As an Australian father, you may be eligible for legal financial assistance to cover the cost of disbursements associated with certain Commonwealth legal matters. This guide will help you understand the available support and how to apply.

What Are Legal Disbursements?

Disbursements are costs related to legal action, other than the fees paid to a solicitor or barrister. Examples include the cost of expert reports, court transcripts, and expert witness fees.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this assistance, the expected cost of disbursements must exceed $500 (inclusive of GST). Additionally, you must not be receiving or eligible for legal financial assistance from another government scheme or legal aid commission.

Important: Assistance will not generally be granted if you can meet your overall legal costs without serious financial difficulty.

What Costs Are Covered

This scheme provides assistance with the cost of disbursements, but not with solicitor or barrister fees. It does not cover criminal matters, state/territory legal matters, or overseas legal matters.

Application Process

To apply, download the Application for Legal Financial Assistance form and the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Form from the Attorney-General's Department website. Email the completed forms and required attachments to finass@ag.gov.au.

If you cannot send your application by email, contact the Financial Assistance Section at the number or email provided.

Assessment and Timeframes

Complete applications will be assessed within 28 days. Incomplete applications will not be assessed, and you will be notified if your application is incomplete.

Key Points for Fathers

  • Disbursements are costs related to legal action, other than solicitor or barrister fees.
  • The expected cost of disbursements must exceed $500 (inclusive of GST) to be eligible for assistance.
  • Assistance is not available for criminal matters, state/territory legal matters, or overseas legal matters.
  • You must not be receiving or eligible for legal financial assistance from another government scheme or legal aid commission.
  • Apply by downloading the necessary forms and emailing them to the Attorney-General's Department.
  • Complete applications will be assessed within 28 days.