Highly Experienced Negotiators for Child Protection and Children’s Court Matters
Our team of skilled lawyers will ensure children’s best interests are always our number one priority, and will expertly guide your family through the complexities of children’s court and child protection matters.
Initial Appointment Free
Quality legal advice and guidance – with your first consultation free.
Expertise in Children's Matters
Assisting children and families with all Child Protection, Children’s Court and Youth Justice issues.
Compassionate Guidance
All matters are handled with a sensitive and compassionate approach.
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Specialised Child Protection Lawyers
Why Work With Pearsons Family Lawyers?
Awards & Memberships
Expert Advocacy & Representation for Child Protection and Children’s Court Matters
Navigating the complex landscape of children’s court and child protection matters can be overwhelming, but partnering with the right lawyer can make all the difference. Our lawyers have a wealth of experience working with children who are going through the court process, as well as families who are managing child safety issues.
We understand this can be an emotional and distressing time, and we are here to provide the support and representation you need. We know the consequences can be dire for children and families without the right guidance. Our firm has been helping families for over a century, and you can rely on the quality support and advice you will receive from our highly experienced children’s and family lawyers.
“The thing about having over 35 years of experience in Family Law is that you do not panic. In a crisis, you stay calm and remain courageous so that you do not lose focus on what is important, namely the clients’ needs.” – Leanne Abela (Principal Director)
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Guiding Children & Families Through Legal Challenges: Specialist Children’s Court Lawyers
Having a highly skilled children’s family court lawyer ensures you have the expertise needed to navigate the legal landscape successfully. Our team deeply understands the legal intricacies and nuances involved in Children’s Court, Youth Justice, Child Protection and Family Law cases, allowing them to advocate for a child’s best interests effectively.
We provide guidance and support and remain focused on achieving the best possible outcome for the children we represent. Prioritising children’s welfare outcomes is paramount for us, as is minimising the distress and confusion that court matters can bring. We have a wealth of experience working with families in similar situations, allowing us to offer reassurance and empathy while remaining focused on achieving positive results.
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We can help you with:
Child Protection Matters
The support and guidance you need to navigate complex and emotional child safety matters.
Independent Children’s Lawyer
Our ICLs will ensure that your children’s best interests are the priority at all times.
Children’s Court Proceedings
Support, advice and representation for all Children’s Court and Youth Justice matters.
Putting Children First: Dedicated Legal Representation for Children and Their Families
Having a highly experienced advocate on your side will bring peace of mind and ensure the best course of action is taken. By partnering with one of our skilled and caring lawyers, you will also be able to minimise the stress and unknown associated with children’s court matters.
We prioritise your best interests and provide a free initial consultation to guide you in the right direction. We acknowledge that this may be a sensitive and emotional time, so we maintain a respectful approach to your requirements while working together.
- No Fee First Consultations
- Children’s Best Interests As A Priority
- All Children’s & Family Court Matters
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Client Reviews & Testimonials
Pearsons Family Lawyers
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an Independent Children’s Lawyer?
In Victoria, Australia, an Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) is a legal professional appointed by the court to represent the children’s best interests in family law proceedings or other matters involving minors. An ICL is highly knowledgeable in the areas of law related to children and is able to work with various practitioners and agencies to minimise the impact of court proceedings on a child.
By providing objective and independent perspectives on matters concerning children’s welfare, an ICL is able to advocate for their rights and well-being. An ICL is usually appointed in cases where significant disputes or complex issues concern child custody, visitation arrangements, child abuse, family violence, or the involvement of child protection agencies.
Working with a lawyer who specialises in children’s matters ensures that the child’s best interests are protected and promoted throughout the legal process. To learn more about the role and capacity of an ICL, check out our blog ‘Independent Children’s Lawyer’. You can learn more about the role and capacity of an ICL in our blog ‘Independent Children’s Lawyer’.
What should I do if a Child Safety or Welfare order is made against me, or an investigation is taking place?
If Victorian Child Protection Services have become involved with the wellbeing of your child, or one in your family, it’s crucial to act quickly and get good advice, as these matters can have devastating effects on families if handled incorrectly.
The Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) manages CPS, and will generally provide paperwork with requests or information required to assess the safety and wellbeing of the child, or children, involved. They generally become involved if concerns have been raised that a child is at risk of harm or neglect, or if family issues such as addiction, ill health or family violence are an issue.
If an investigation is taking place, it’s vital that you provide sufficient information to ensure that your matter is resolved as quickly as possible. This may include previous court reports, psychological assessments or drug testing results. If an order has already been made, and you are disputing it, the process can be longer and more drawn out. Whichever the case, it’s in your family’s best interests to have the best possible legal support as there can be many nuances to child protection law.
Failure to respond appropriately and in a timely manner can result in loss of custody, with children being placed in temporary or longer term state care arrangements.
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What is the purpose of the Children's Court in Victoria?
The Children’s Court of Victoria specialises in matters relating to children, with a guiding ethos centred on ensuring the best interests of a child are first and foremost. Unfortunately, child protection and family law matters involving children can be very complex and highly emotional, which can create some difficulty in resolving matters swiftly and easily.
The Victorian Children’s Court has both a Family Law division and a Criminal Law division, and hears all cases in which children are involved. This includes matters of family violence that affect children, intervention orders, child protection orders, family law matters such as custody and also youth criminal justice matters.
When is a child in need of protection under Australian law?
Generally, if a child is deemed to be at risk or, or has experienced abuse, neglect or other factors that impact their overall wellbeing, child protection laws apply.
The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) sets out many guiding principles for state laws, and places emphasis on the best interest of the child, early intervention and support for families,
culturally appropriate courses of action, and ensuring that children and young people have their voice heard during the decision-making processes.
A child is deemed to be at risk of abuse or neglect, and requiring intervention, for the following reasons:
- Abandonment
- Neglect of children’s needs
- Death or illness (including addiction and mental illness) of one or both of the children’s parents
- Exposure to family violence, or unsafe environments
- When a parent or carer is incarcerated
- When there is abuse, or risk of abuse (physical, sexual, psychological, mental, religious or otherwise)
- When there is a risk or physical injury, or a history of physical injury that raises concerns
Reporting can be done by any member of the public, family members, teachers, childcare workers and medical professionals. Some cases are very clear cut, while others are extremely complex due to contributing factors.
Whatever the case,if you have found yourself involved with Child Protection Services, it’s advised that you seek legal assistance as early as you are able to.
Pearsons Family Lawyers
Let’s Work Together
Step 1: Book Your Free Appointment
Contact us today and we'll schedule your initial appointment for no charge.
Step 2: Talk To A Children’s Law Specialist
Clarify your situation and determine the next steps to take.
Step 3: Know Where You Stand
Feel confident that your matter is being taken care of by highly experienced professionals.Know Where You Stand
Talk to a Child Protection Lawyer at Pearsons
Speak to one of our highly professional lawyers today to find out how we can help. It’s essential to seek legal advice to ensure you have the support you need to move forward.
Office Hours
Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
(Please note we are closed between 1-2pm)
Wednesday Evenings 5:00pm – 7:00pm
(by appointment only)
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Speak with Trusted Child Protection Lawyers
If you are ready to speak to someone, please get in touch today and book your initial free consultation. We will be there for you every step of the way.