Guideline 10 – adoption

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) may make a grant of legal assistance to a child to be independently represented in adoption proceedings if any of the following apply:

  • the proceedings are contested

or

  • there has been an application to dispense with the consent of a natural parent

or

  • there has been an application to discharge an adoption order.

Documentary requirements

Applications under this guideline can only be submitted via the standard grants assessment process.

An in-house lawyer or a lawyer on the section 30 referral panel seeking a grant of legal assistance should submit an application via ATLAS for assessment, including all of the following documents:

  • a copy of any available documentation or evidence which shows:
    • that the proceedings are contested
      and
    • that an application has been made to dispense with the consent of a natural parent
      or
    • an application has been made to discharge an order for adoption
  • relevant proof of means.
Civil law

Updated

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