Children's Law & Child Protection Legal Services

Legal Support for Families Facing Child
Protection Matters

When you're dealing with child protection issues, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you’ve been contacted by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), or you’re already part of an ongoing case, it’s normal to feel uncertain, anxious or frustrated.

We are local child protection lawyers with offices in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool, working with parents, carers, grandparents and extended family members who need practical legal advice and steady support. With a strong reputation and extensive experience in child protection, we help you understand your rights, stay involved in decisions, and make sure your voice is heard when it matters most.

Child protection cases can move quickly, and the earlier you get legal advice, the better. If the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) has contacted you, or if you're worried about a situation involving a child in your care, it's a good idea to speak with a lawyer who understands this area of law.

You might need legal help if:

You’ve been asked to attend a meeting with Child Protection
Your child has been removed or is at risk of being removed from your care
You’ve received documents from the Children’s Court
You’re caring for a child through foster or kinship care and need guidance
There has been a decision made by the Court or Child Protection that you want to challenge
Help you apply for a grant of legal aid funding

We have lawyers in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool, so wherever you're located, support is close by. Our role is to give you clear, honest advice so you know what your options are and how to respond to protection applications. Whether you're at the start of a process or already deep in it, we’re here to help you find your footing.

Contact Our Team to discuss your legal matter in confidence.

How We Help

Supporting You Through All Areas of Children’s Law & Child Protection

Protection Applications by Emergency Care

We help families respond to urgent applications by Child Protection in the Children’s Court where there are allegations a child is at immediate risk of harm.

Child Protection Investigations

If you’re involved in a child protection investigation, we’ll help you understand the process and represent your interests.

Interim Accommodation Order contests

We can assist families at short notice who are contesting the making of or the terms of an Interim Accommodation Order (IAO) in the Children’s Court.

Permanent Care Assessments

We support families during permanent care assessments and associated court proceedings, while helping them clearly understand their rights and responsibilities.

VCAT appeals

We can assist family members to appeal Child Protection case planning decisions in VCAT.

Kinship Care Orders

If you’re caring for a child through kinship care, we can help with the legal steps and make sure you fully understand your rights and responsibilities.

Children’s Court Representation

We’ll stand beside you in court and guide you through the process with strong representation and clear advice.

Appeals - County Court and Supreme Court

If the Children’s Court has made a decision you do not agree with, we can provide advice and representation in relation to the appeals processes in the County and Supreme Courts.

Protection Order extensions, variations, and revocations

We assist with all types of applications in the Children’s Court whether you are coming to Court for the first time, or if an order is being extended, varied or revoked.

Our Difference

Experienced Child Protection Lawyers Providing Support When It Matters Most

We understand how serious and personal child protection cases are. These matters affect families deeply, and the legal system can feel overwhelming. That’s why we take a practical yet compassionate approach to every case.

Local Experience

We work with families across Melbourne (including Broadmeadows, Wyndham, Dandenong and Moorabbin), Geelong and Warrnambool.

Specialist Knowledge

We have extensive experience and a strong reputation in child protection law, so we know how the system works and how to help you through it.

Clear Communication

We’ll explain your options in plain language, keep you fully informed, and involve you in every step.

Culturally Aware Practice

We have experience working with First Nations families and take care to provide respectful, culturally sensitive legal guidance.

Legal Aid Assistance

We're able to apply to Victoria Legal Aid to help eligible clients access funded legal support for their child protection matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the Department of Human Services (now known as DFFH) gets in touch, it usually means they have concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. They may ask to speak with you, visit your home, or arrange a meeting. It’s important to take this seriously and get legal advice early. Having a child protection lawyer can help you understand what’s going on, what your rights are, and how to respond in a way that protects your relationship with the child.

Have more questions?Contact our team

Children's Court Lawyers Who Are On Your Side