FAMILY LAW COVID-19 FAMILY VIOLENCE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MATTERS
“The Covid-19 pandemic is bringing unprecedented changes to the family law landscape. Many parents are worried and confused about what COVID-19 means for them, and how it will affect their children and parenting arrangements. “ – Claire Naidu & Co –
FAMILY VIOLENCE AND COVID-19
Are you concerned for yourself or someone you know – particuarly during the covid-19 pandemic? Are you worried about family violence or domestic violence for yourself or a loved one?
During this pandemic, many people are experiencing a range of different stressors including financial worries, social isolation, or other issues associated with measures designed to slow the spread of the virus, such as the need to stay home. In times of crisis and hardship, new family law problems can arise and become more urgent.
Domestic and family violence concerns are increased during a crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be worried about your safety, or the safety of someone you know.
You might also be worried about being able to continue living at home if you are required to self-isolate or there is a broader ‘lockdown’.
Domestic and family violence can include behaviour that coerces you, controls you or makes you feel afraid. It does not always involve physical violence and in many cases does not.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and there are services to support you. If you or someone you know is at risk of or experiencing domestic and family violence, this factsheet will connect you with useful contacts and information about keeping safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Depending on where you are based, there may be local or state domestic violence units that provide specialist domestic violence service. For example, Legal Aid ACT and NSW both have a Family Violence/ Domestic Violence Unit.
If you would like to engage a private specialist family lawyer, you can contact Claire Naidu & Co. Claire Naidu & Co can help you with your legal needs, including making plans to safely leave home.
Click here for Claire Naidu & Co contact details.
It is important that you consider planning for your safety
- In an emergency you should contact the police immediately on 000
- You should be prepared for example:
- Keeping your mobile phone fully charged
- Having a pin and password on your devices that only you know
- Have important documents ready and easily accessible
- For information about how to make a safety plan and to access online safety planning support, visit the 1800 RESPECT “Safety planning” web page: https://www.1800respect.org.au/help-and-support/safety-planning/ .
I have a matter in court, what should I do?
If you have a matter in court and you are not sure what you need to do or if you need to go to court, you should contact us on 02 6109 0118 and speak to one of our lawyers for advice. Click here Claire Naidu & Co contact details.
You may be worried or confused about what COVID-19 means for your and your family including how it might affect your child/ren and their parenting arrangements.
How does COVID-19 affect my family?
The COVID-19 pandemic may mean that existing court orders or parenting arrangements are no longer practical or in the best interests of children.
Families’ safety and wellbeing are the most important considerations. If possible, you and and the other parent should try to reach agreement. It may not be possible for you and the other parent to agree on parenting arrangements, especially if either of you has concerns for your safety or the safety of the children.
In an emergency you should contact the police on 000 immediately.
You should also consider obtaining legal advice.
Our team of lawyers can assist you and provide you with advice tailored to your family law matter and your child/ren. For example, what happens if you cannot reach agreement with your former partner, how is the pandemic effecting the Family Law Courts and what are your options in moving forward.
We offer an initial appointment for a fixed fee price. In light of the current pandemic, we are also offering specialist family law COVID-19 advice as part of the initial appointment for no extra fee.
During our appointment with you we will discuss your family law matter and provide you with family law advice including COVID-19 advice tailored to your situation.
Our team of experienced family lawyers are able to provide you with family law COVID-19 advice and support you in your family law matter. If you would like to schedule an appointment, click here for our contact details.
Note: This article does not constitute legal advice and Claire Naidu & Co is not responsible for any reliance upon its contents. If you would like specialist legal advice and would like to know what is best for your situation, contact us for a fixed fee initial appointment.
Click here for our contact details and to make a fixed price initial appointment during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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