Victoria Legal Aid

Other support for going to court

Learn where to get legal help and other support for going to court.

How we can help

You can contact us for free information about going to court for a criminal offence. If we can’t help, we can refer you to other organisations that can.

If your court date is more than six days away, you can request help before court.

Our other free legal services include help at court. For some matters, we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.

Going to court

The information and resources on this page will help you understand:

  • criminal offences
  • what happens at court
  • police powers in Victoria
  • what to do if you go to court for criminal charges.

We also have free publications to help you understand court processes:

See a list of all our free publications and resourcesExternal Link .

Other organisations that can help

Legal services

Your local community legal centreExternal Link can give you legal information and advice. Most services are free.

You can also find a private lawyer near you through the Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Referral ServiceExternal Link . All law firms included in the Legal Referral Service provide a free 30-minute interview. You can use this interview to understand more about the legal issue and discuss the available options and how much they will cost. Note that the free interview is not 30 minutes of free legal advice.

Help at court

Court Network volunteersExternal Link support people at court. They are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you about how court works. If you want to see a Court Network volunteer tell the court staff. You can also ring them before you go to court.

Courts and tribunals

Each court can give you information about their own court processes, but they cannot give you legal advice.

To find contact details for Victorian courts and tribunals, see Courts and Tribunals VictoriaExternal Link .

These resources will help you understand what happens at court:

Other resources

Going to court for traffic offences

Our resources

These resources will help you understand:

  • what traffic offences are
  • what happens if you have to go to court about a traffic offence.

See our videos:

Resources from other organisations

The Law Handbook

Fitzroy Legal Service’s Law Handbook has information about:

Fines Victoria

The Fines websiteExternal Link has detailed information about the Victorian infringements process and your options for dealing with fines.

Magistrates’ Court

The court website has information about the steps you need to take to get another licenceExternal Link if it has been cancelled for a drink or drug-driving offence.

VicRoads

The VicRoads website has information about:

Transport Accident Commission

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has forms and brochuresExternal Link for people involved in an accident.

Find information on what you can claimExternal Link from the TAC after a car accident.

Youthlaw

The Youthlaw website explains the ‘hoon driving’ offencesExternal Link , police powers in relation to these hoon driving offences, and how you can get help.

Going to court to challenge a fine

Other organisations that can help

Fine fixer

Moonee Valley Legal Service and RMIT have created FineFixerExternal Link , an online tool that offers a free and fast way for people with fines to identify and understand their options.

Agencies

The contact details of the agency that issued your fine depend on the type of fine you have and how far it has progressed in the infringements process.

Fines Victoria

The Director of Fines Victoria is responsible for processing and enforcing fines issued by various government agencies and authorities within Victoria. They also process and enforce fines issued by courts after they have been registered.

The Fines Victoria websiteExternal Link has information to help you decide what to do after you get a fine. You can ask them for a payment arrangement, or to conduct an enforcement review if there are special circumstances that apply to you. Visit the Fines Victoria websiteExternal Link to find out how many infringements and court fines have been registered with them.

Fines Victoria also manage the Family Violence Scheme.

Legal services

Your local community legal centreExternal Link may be able to give you legal information and advice. Most services are free.

Courts

You can take your infringement matter to the Magistrates' Court or the Children’s Court of Victoria, if you are under 18 years of age.

If Fines Victoria reviews your fine and decides that you had special circumstances at the time you were fined they will cancel the enforcement of your fine. The agency that fined you may then decide to charge you for the offence. If this happens you may be referred to court.

Find out more about how you can deal with your fine if you have special circumstances.

Other services

You can contact VicRoadsExternal Link about demerit points.

Try not to get any more fines for not having a valid myki. If you have a significant permanent disability you may be able to get an Access Travel Pass from Public Transport VictoriaExternal Link . It lets you travel on public transport for free.

Our resources

The free publication Parking, the law and you outlines parking laws, how to appeal parking fines, and the consequences of not paying a fine in Victoria.

Resources from other organisations

Going to court as a witness

Help in an emergency

In an emergency, call ‘000’ to report a crime.

Other organisations that can help

Victims of Crime service

The Victims Support Agency provides support services to victims through the Victims of Crime websiteExternal Link and helpline.

The Victims of Crime HelplineExternal Link is a free service offering information, advice and referrals to help victims to manage and recover from the effects of crime. Helpline staff can also contact other agencies on your behalf so you don't need to repeat your story.

The Victims Support Agency also manages:

  • the Victims Assistance and Counselling Program, which provides short-term counselling, ongoing practical support, outreach services, court support, referral to specialist support groups
  • the Victims Register, which allows a victim of violent crime to be advised at key points while the offender is serving a sentence in prison or (where applicable) extended supervision after completing the sentence.

Call the helpline for more information about these services.

The Victims of Crime website also has information about other services that can helpExternal Link and a list of publications and fact sheetsExternal Link to support victims of crime.

Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal

Victims of Crime Assistance TribunalExternal Link provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime committed in Victoria. You may be eligible for a payment to cover the costs of counselling and medical appointments, safety-related items, loss of income and other expenses.

Legal services

Many community legal centresExternal Link can give you legal information and advice if you want to apply to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal for financial assistance. Most services are free.

Help for witnesses

Victims and Witness Assistance ServiceExternal Link is available to all victims of crime and prosecution witnesses involved in cases being handled by the Office of Public Prosecutions.

If you are a victim or a prosecution witness, an experienced social worker can assist you before, during and after the court process. The service can help to arrange a pre-court meeting between you and a lawyer or prosecutor and keep you updated on the progress of the case.

Child Witness ServiceExternal Link offers support to victims or witnesses of crime under the age of 18 through the process of giving evidence at court. Child witnesses can give evidence through a live closed circuit TV link to the courtroom.

Help at court

Court NetworkExternal Link can provide support on the day of the hearing, help organising childcare and disability access, provide information about court procedures and help with arrangements to ensure your safety when you’re at court.

They also have a telephone information and referral services for victims of crime who have to attend court. Court Network staff are available in the Magistrates', County, Supreme, Family and Coroners’ courts.

Youthlaw website

Youthlaw provides detailed information about what you can do if you are a victim of a crimeExternal Link , including useful links.

Office of Public Prosecutions (Victoria)

The Office of Public Prosecutions has:

Going to court for a criminal charge

Other organisations that can help

Legal services

Your local community legal centreExternal Link can give you legal information and advice. Most services are free.

You can also find a private lawyer near you through the Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Referral ServiceExternal Link . All law firms included in the Legal Referral Service provide a free 30-minute interview. You can use this interview to understand more about the legal issue and how much they will cost. Note that the free interview is not 30 minutes of free legal advice.

Help at court

Court NetworkExternal Link volunteers support people at court. They are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you about how court works. If you want to see a Court Network volunteer tell the court staff. You can also ring them before you go to court.

Resources about going to court for a criminal offence

These resources will help you understand:

  • criminal offences
  • police powers in Victoria
  • what to do if you go to court for criminal charges.

See a list of all our free publications and resourcesExternal Link , including:

Resources from other organisations

The Law Handbook

Fitzroy Legal Service’s Law Handbook has information about:

Fines

The Fines websiteExternal Link has information about the Victorian infringement process. You can also pay your fine through this website.

Victoria Police

A guide to the circumstances in which the police will allow organisations to access your criminal recordExternal Link .

Sentencing Advisory Council

The Sentencing Advisory CouncilExternal Link website has information and statistics about sentencing in Victoria.

Going to court for dividing property and divorce

How we can help

Family dispute resolution can help couples who have separated to sort out disputes more quickly and easily than by going to court. Our Family Dispute Resolution Service may be able to help you.

In some regional areas we also run free divorce workshops to explain the divorce process and help participants to complete their divorce application. These are currently running at our Bendigo office. Contact the offices directly to book your place. For contact details see Our offices.

Other organisations that can help

amica

amicaExternal Link is a secure online platform that helps separating couples to:

  • make parenting arrangements if you have children
  • divide your money and property fairly
  • create clear, simple written agreements about your arrangements, and
  • create the documents you need if you want to turn your agreements into consent orders.

amica guides you through a user-friendly, step-by-step process, giving you information and support along the way. It is a very low-cost option and is free if either of you is on an Income Support Benefit.

Legal services

Some community legal centres have specialist family law and child support services. Most services are free. See the Community Law websiteExternal Link to find a centre near you.

The Women's Legal ServiceExternal Link Victoria provides free confidential legal information, advice, representation and referral to women.

You can also find a private lawyer near you through the Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Referral ServiceExternal Link . All law firms included in the Legal Referral Service provide a free 30-minute interview. You can use this interview to understand more about the legal issue and discuss the available options and how much they will cost. Note that the free interview is not 30 minutes of free legal advice.

Family Relationships Online

Go to Family Relationships OnlineExternal Link or contact their advice line on 1800 050 321 to find:

  • a family dispute resolution centre
  • a child contact centre – where children can see their parents or where changeover from one parent to another can occur. Many contact centres also provide support programs for children and parents experiencing family breakdown
  • other services that can help you reach agreement about the children.

Services Australia

Services Australia has information for familiesExternal Link , separated parentsExternal Link and carersExternal Link about their payments and services.

Courts

If you cannot agree with your ex-partner or if your case is not suitable for family dispute resolution, you may need to go to court. The court can make decisions about parenting orders and division of property. They can offer help, information and referral services. Go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia websiteExternal Link for more information.

Court NetworkExternal Link volunteers support people at court. They are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you about how court works. They can also make referrals to other community agencies for support after the hearing.

If you want to see a Court Network volunteer, tell the court staff. You can also ring them before you go to court.

Resources for going to court for dividing property and divorce

These resources will help you understand more about:

  • separation and divorce
  • property issues
  • keeping safe from family violence.

You can download or order these publications:

See a list of all our free publications and resourcesExternal Link .

Resources from other organisations

WIRE

WIRE's information booklet, Leaving a relationshipExternal Link , has information on your legal rights and options if are leaving a relationship. Includes parenting arrangements, finances, housing, court orders and getting help.

WIRE's information booklet, Separation and propertyExternal Link has information for couples considering separation. It covers property division and settlement, financial abuse, family dispute resolution and going to court.

Help for people experiencing family violence

Emergency help

If you are experiencing family violence and the situation is urgent do not wait, contact the police on ‘000’.

Other organisations that can help

Legal services

Your local community legal centreExternal Link may be able to give you legal information and advice. Some centres also provide advice and representation at court. Most services are free.

The Women's Legal Service VictoriaExternal Link provides free confidential legal information, advice, representation and referral for women.

DjirraExternal Link (formerly the Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service) helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims of family violence and sexual assault. They provide legal and non-legal support, and work with families and communities affected by violence.

You can also find a private lawyer near you through the Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Referral ServiceExternal Link . All law firms included in the Legal Referral Service provide a free 30-minute interview. Note this is not 30 minutes of free legal advice but you can use this interview to understand more about your legal issue and discuss the available options and how much they will cost.

Courts

The Family Violence Magistrates' Court of Victoria website can help you find your nearest court to apply for an intervention orderExternal Link .

Many courts have support services that can help you on the day of your hearing. These include lawyers for family violence applicants, respondents, LGBTIQA+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with family violence legal need.

Court NetworkExternal Link volunteers support people at court. They are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you about how court works. They can also make referrals to other community agencies for support after the hearing.

If you want to see a Court Network volunteer, tell the court staff. You can also ring them before you go to court.

Combined legal and social support services at the Family Court

Family Advocacy and Support Services are available at the Melbourne and Dandenong Family Law Registries.

This is for people who are involved in family law proceedings and who have experienced, used or are alleged to have used family violence.

It combines specialist legal advice, risk screening, safety planning, social support and referrals for families affected by family violence. See Family Advocacy and Support Services.

Family violence support services

Family violence services for people who wish to leave, or have left, a violent relationship are available from:

Services for respondents

The Men’s Referral Service/No to ViolenceExternal Link provides referrals and help for men who use controlling behaviour towards a partner or family member, but also provide support and referrals to women and men seeking information on behalf of their male partners, friends or family members.

MenslineExternal Link also helps men who are dealing with family violence.

Other services

Other services that may be able to help:

Our resources

For people applying for an intervention order

For people responding to an intervention order

We also have these videos:

See a list of all our free publications and resourcesExternal Link .

Resources from other organisations

Magistrates' Court

See the Family Violence Magistrates' Court of VictoriaExternal Link website for applications and more information and videos.

The court also has a virtual tour of the courtroomExternal Link and a video of what happens when you go to court for an intervention order hearing.

St Kilda Community Legal Service

St Kilda Legal Service with the Gender Equity Steering Committee, (including the City of Port Phillip, Stonnington City Council, Women’s Health in the South East and Bentleigh Bayside Community Health) have produced a film for young people to speak up and take action if someone they know is a victim or perpetrator of family violence.

Watch the filmExternal Link .

Eastern Community Legal Centre

Eastern Community Legal Centre have produced Steps 2 SafetyExternal Link , a video explaining the family violence intervention order process in an easy-to-understand way. The video is also available in Arabic, Chin – Hakha, Chinese – Mandarin, Dinka, and Punjabi.

Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Reviewed 17 January 2023

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