Free Family Law Help in New Zealand
You do not need to face family legal issues alone. New Zealand offers free family law help through Community Law centres, duty lawyers, legal aid, and specialist support services. Here is how to access help today.
Quick Answer: Free Family Law Help Options
- Community Law Centres: Free advice appointments nationwide
- Family Court Duty Lawyer: Free help on your court day
- Legal Aid: Government-funded lawyer if you qualify
- Women's Refuge: Free support for domestic violence
- Family Mediation: First 3 hours free for parenting disputes
In Immediate Danger?
- Police Emergency: 111
- Women's Refuge Crisis Line: 0800 733 843 (24/7)
- Shine Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0508 744 633
- Family Violence Info Line: 0800 456 450
1. Community Law Centres
Community Law Centres provide free legal advice to people who cannot afford a lawyer. They are an excellent first stop for family law questions.
What Community Law Offers
- Free 30-45 minute legal advice appointments
- Help understanding your rights and options
- Assistance with legal documents
- Referrals to other support services
- Legal information workshops
Family Law Issues They Help With
- Separation and relationship property
- Parenting arrangements and custody
- Protection orders and domestic violence
- Child support questions
- Guardianship matters
- Prenuptial and contracting out agreements
Community Law Centres by Region
| Region | Centre | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland Central | Auckland Community Law | 09 302 4500 |
| South Auckland | Mangere Community Law | 09 275 4310 |
| Wellington | Wellington Community Law | 04 499 2928 |
| Canterbury | Community Law Canterbury | 03 366 6870 |
| Waikato | Waikato Community Law | 07 839 1395 |
| Otago | Community Law Otago | 03 474 1922 |
Find your nearest centre at communitylaw.org.nz
2. Family Court Duty Lawyer
If you have a Family Court hearing and cannot afford a lawyer, a duty lawyer can help you for free on the day.
What Duty Lawyers Do
- Provide free advice before your hearing
- Explain court procedures and what to expect
- Help you understand documents and orders
- Represent you in urgent matters
- Help apply for protection orders
- Assist with adjournments if you need more time
How to Access a Duty Lawyer
- Arrive at Family Court at least 30 minutes early
- Ask court staff to see the duty lawyer
- Bring all relevant documents and paperwork
- Be prepared to explain your situation briefly
Duty lawyers are available at all Family Courts in New Zealand. They can help with:
- Protection order applications (urgent)
- Parenting order directions
- Care of children applications
- Interim custody matters
- Adjournment requests
3. Legal Aid for Family Law
Legal aid provides government-funded lawyers for people who cannot afford legal representation. Family law matters are covered.
Income Thresholds (2026)
| Family Size | Maximum Income |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $23,820/year |
| Single with 1 child | $31,392/year |
| Couple, no children | $37,758/year |
| Couple with children | Higher thresholds apply |
Family Law Matters Covered by Legal Aid
- Custody and parenting disputes
- Protection orders
- Relationship property division
- Child support disputes
- Guardianship applications
- Family Court proceedings
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- Find a lawyer who accepts legal aid clients
- The lawyer will assess your eligibility
- Complete the legal aid application form
- Provide proof of income and assets
- Wait for approval (usually 2-4 weeks)
Important: Repayment
Legal aid is often a loan, not a grant. If you receive money or property from your case (like a relationship property settlement), you may need to repay some or all legal aid costs.
4. Women's Refuge and Domestic Violence Support
If you are experiencing domestic violence, specialised free support is available immediately.
Women's Refuge Services
- 24/7 Crisis Line: 0800 733 843
- Safe emergency accommodation
- Free legal advocacy for protection orders
- Court support and accompaniment
- Safety planning
- Children's support services
Other Domestic Violence Support
- Shine: 0508 744 633 - Free domestic abuse helpline
- Family Violence Info Line: 0800 456 450
- Victim Support: 0800 842 846
- Are You OK: areyouok.org.nz - Online resources
- Police: Can apply for Police Safety Orders and temporary protection
Emergency Protection Orders
Police can issue immediate Police Safety Orders. For longer-term protection:
- Temporary Protection Orders can be granted the same day
- Women's Refuge lawyers can help with applications
- Community Law can assist with protection order paperwork
- Duty lawyers can help at Family Court
5. Free Family Mediation
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation is a government-funded service for parenting disputes.
What FDR Mediation Covers
- Day-to-day care arrangements
- Contact and visitation schedules
- Holiday and special occasion arrangements
- Education and healthcare decisions
- Communication between parents
Cost and Eligibility
- First 3 hours: Free for eligible participants
- Additional sessions: Subsidised rates based on income
- Eligibility: Parents and guardians with parenting disputes
How to Access FDR Mediation
- Contact the Family Court or visit justice.govt.nz/family/mediation
- Complete an application form
- Attend an information session
- Schedule mediation sessions
Benefits of Mediation
- Faster than court proceedings
- Less stressful for children
- You control the outcome together
- Better long-term cooperation
- Confidential discussions
6. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Citizens Advice Bureaux provide free information and guidance on family law matters.
CAB Services
- Free general legal information
- Help understanding your rights
- Referrals to appropriate services
- Form-filling assistance
- Information on family law processes
CAB cannot provide legal advice, but they can explain your options and connect you with free legal services. Find your local CAB at cab.org.nz or call 0800 367 222.
7. YouthLaw
If you are under 25, YouthLaw provides free legal assistance for young people.
- Phone: 0800 884 529
- Website: youthlaw.co.nz
- Free advice for young parents
- Help with custody issues involving young people
- Support for youth in care situations
Summary: Where to Get Free Family Law Help
| Situation | Best Free Option |
|---|---|
| General family law questions | Community Law Centre |
| Court appearance today | Family Court Duty Lawyer |
| Ongoing legal representation | Legal Aid (if eligible) |
| Domestic violence | Women's Refuge / Shine |
| Parenting arrangements | FDR Mediation (first 3 hours free) |
| Under 25 years old | YouthLaw |
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