Last Updated 8 September 2016

A person with a legal problem should seek help quickly. Many people suffer unnecessarily because they avoid consulting a lawyer when problems first arise. Often, legal problems can be avoided and costs can be minimised if assistance is sought in the early stages of a dispute. Legal advice is especially important in the following situations:

  • A person is charged with a criminal offence.
  • A person is injured in a car accident or while at work.
  • Parenting disputes arise or a marriage or de facto relationship breaks down. Anyone contemplating the break-up of their marriage or de facto relationship should get legal advice to ensure their rights are protected. Simple advice is often all that is needed, especially when the parties agree on fair arrangements for maintenance and child support, property division and the parenting arrangements for any children of the relationship.
  • The agreements or disputes involve significant amounts of money or valuable assets.