Guideline 1.9 – advice and negotiation in combined parenting and property disputes

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) may make a grant of assistance for advice and negotiation in a combined parenting and property dispute where:

1. Guideline 1.1 – advice and negotiation for adults in parenting disputes is met
   and
2. either or both of the following applies in relation to the property dispute:
   1. one party is seeking to retain the family home (where that party’s equitable interest is $500,000 or less) and the applicant for legal assistance will receive no payment
      and/or
   2. the matter involves:
      1. a superannuation split
         and/or
      2. a pool of equity of less than $50,000 (excluding superannuation)
         or
      3. a negative asset pool (ie debt alone).

Fees available

For information about fees available for a grant under this guideline, see Fee table 4.1.

Documentary requirements

Applications for assistance under this guideline are within the simplified grants process and are submitted through our online lodgment service, ATLAS. Lawyers submitting an application must ensure that evidence supporting the application is kept on the file.

Lawyers are also encouraged to complete a Family law worksheet and a Proof of means worksheet for their file, available on the Invoice, forms and worksheets page.

Notes on this guideline

For commentary and examples on the eligibility criteria, grants assessment process, documentary requirements and fees and billing relevant to this guideline, see the Notes on guideline 1.9.