The Emma House Legal Program provide a Duty Lawyer service at the Portland, Hamilton and Warrnambool Magistrate’s Court, on a weekly basis to assist with Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) matter’s.
Our Duty Lawyer can provide free advice, representation and referrals if you are the person applying for a Family Violence Intervention Order, or if you are listed as a protected person on a Police FVIO application.
Our lawyers will be on ‘duty’ at the following courts weekly, if you need assistance:
- Portland Magistrate’s Court: Tuesday
- Hamilton Magistrate’s Court: Wednesday
- Warrnambool Magistrate’s Court: Thursday
To access this service, you must advise the court staff when you arrive at court that you would like to use the Emma House Duty Lawyer. It is best to turn up at the court when it opens, as it may be busy and you may have to wait.
If you need an interpreter, the court will organise one for you. It is best to let the court know you need an interpreter before your hearing. If you haven’t done this, tell the court staff as soon as you arrive at court.
Remote Hearing Option
If you have safety concerns about attending court, you can contact the relevant Magistrate’s Court prior to your hearing day to submit a request to appear remotely. If your request is approved by the court, you will be provided with a Webex link to appear remotely on the day.
If you have safety concerns and your matter is being heard at the Warrnambool Magistrate’s Court, a Remote Hearing Support Service is available to you. This provides support to you from a secure location away from the court building. For more information on the Remote Hearing Support Service, visit the Magistrate’s Court website here or contact the Warrnambool Magistrate’s Court, prior to your hearing day.
More information:
