Eligibility Changes Start July 2026
Starting 1st July 2026, Legal Aid NSW will reduce family law services due to budget pressures, restricting eligibility to domestic violence victims and Aboriginal people.n
Katie Kelso, Executive Director of Family Law, explained that the recent federal budget failed to provide the necessary funding to maintain current service levels. She noted a significant 30 per cent increase in demand for family law advice services over the past three years.n
“Pressure on Legal Aid NSW’s funding has reached crisis levels. We are facing unprecedented demand for our services,” Kelso stated.n
The new guidelines will limit Independent Children’s Lawyers to only appear in final hearings where one or both parties are self-represented. This change is part of a broader strategy to manage resources amid rising demand. Legal Aid NSW is focusing on prioritizing those experiencing the most serious disadvantages.n
Impact on Vulnerable Groupsn
This decision will affect vulnerable groups such as those with mental illnesses, disabilities, or language barriers, who might struggle to navigate legal proceedings without representation. Changes will mean that these individuals may miss out on necessary legal support, which could have significant impacts on their ability to receive fair outcomes in family law cases.n
“Under the National Access to Justice Partnership, Legal Aid NSW has not been given the funding needed for us to maintain service levels,” Kelso remarked. As a result, the agency must make difficult choices about resource allocation.n
These changes aim to balance growing, unsustainable demand with limited resources. Legal Aid NSW acknowledges the widespread impact on individuals requiring legal support, but emphasises prioritizing those in the most critical need.n
Kelso emphasised, “We are strongly committed to continuing our important role in the justice system: to provide legal services to ensure fair and just outcomes for people in NSW.” The organisation plans to advocate for more sustainable funding and might reconsider changes if additional resources become available.n
