Most of Ballarat's court work happens in one building on Grenville Street South. The Magistrates' Court is there, the County Court sits there on circuit for serious criminal charges, and the Children's Court sits there as the main court for the Grampians region. Victoria Legal Aid's Ballarat office is on Market Street.
Our Ballarat lists cover criminal law, family law and general solicitors, with where each firm is based and what it handles. Several firms also have offices in nearby towns, so ask which lawyer will run your file and where you'll meet.
Lawyers in Ballarat by area of law
Some firms pay for a featured listing, and that affects where they appear on a list. How we compile our lists
How legal matters work in Ballarat
Criminal charges start in the Ballarat Magistrates' Court. Besides its general lists, it runs a Drug Court, which opened in 2022, the Assessment and Referral Court, the CISP bail support program and a Specialist Family Violence Court. Ballarat isn't one of the Koori Court locations. More serious charges go to the County Court in the same building, and murder, treason and some other very serious charges are tried in the Supreme Court.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sits in Ballarat on circuit, but there's no registry, so documents are filed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal or at the Melbourne registry. Some early court events may be held online, so check your court notice to see how to attend. Family violence intervention orders are a Victorian matter and usually go to the Magistrates' Court. If the order is to protect a child, the application can go to the Children's Court instead.
Probate goes through the Supreme Court's Probate Office in Melbourne. For free help, Victoria Legal Aid's Ballarat office serves the Central Highlands, and Allied Justice is the community legal centre for Ballarat, the Central Highlands and the Wimmera.
Courts in Ballarat
- Ballarat Magistrates' Court
- Most criminal and traffic matters start here, along with intervention orders and money claims up to $100,000. It's at 100 Grenville Street South and runs a Drug Court and a Specialist Family Violence Court.
- County Court of Victoria
- Serious criminal charges, heard on circuit at the same Grenville Street South building.
- Children's Court of Victoria
- Charges against young people, sitting at Ballarat Magistrates' Court, the main court for the Grampians region.
- Supreme Court of Victoria
- Murder, treason and some other very serious charges. Probate goes through its Probate Office in Melbourne.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- Separation, parenting and property matters. The court sits in Ballarat on circuit, but you file online or at the Melbourne registry, 305 William Street.
Free and low cost legal help
- Victoria Legal Aid gives free legal information to anyone, and advice or representation to people who qualify.
- Victoria Legal Aid, Ballarat: 106 Market Street, serving the Central Highlands. It's best to make an appointment. The office coordinates duty lawyers at the Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh courts, and at Ararat with the Horsham office.
- Allied Justice: The community legal centre for Ballarat, the Central Highlands and the Wimmera, formerly the Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service. It helps with intervention orders, fines and victims of crime assistance. It refers criminal matters to other services.
- CatholicCare Victoria Family Relationship Centre: Family dispute resolution on Peel Street North.
- Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and Djirra: VALS gives free legal help to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria, and Djirra helps Aboriginal women experiencing family violence.
- Duty lawyers at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court can help on the day if you're due in court and don't have a lawyer yet.
- Community legal centres give free advice on everyday problems like debts, tenancy, fines and employment.
- Private firms often offer a free or fixed price first appointment. Ask when you call.
- Check a lawyer's standing with the Law Institute of Victoria, the professional body for lawyers in Victoria.
Need help finding a lawyer in Ballarat?
Send us a few details and we'll point you to firms that handle your kind of matter.
Finding a lawyer in Ballarat: common questions
How do I choose a lawyer in Ballarat?
Start with the area of law your problem falls under, then shortlist two or three firms that do that work regularly. If your matter is going to court, ask how often they appear in that court. Ask what the first appointment costs and how fees work after that, and go with the lawyer who explains things clearly rather than the one with the biggest ad.
Can I get free legal advice in Ballarat?
Often, yes. Victoria Legal Aid gives free legal information to anyone and advice or representation to people who qualify. Community legal centres also give free advice, and duty lawyers at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court can help if you're due in court that day.
How do I check a lawyer can practise in Victoria?
Every practising lawyer needs a current practising certificate. Ask the firm for the lawyer's full name and check it with the Law Institute of Victoria or the local regulator. A good firm won't mind you asking.
Is there a family court in Ballarat?
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sits in Ballarat on circuit, but there's no registry, so you can't file documents there. Ballarat matters are filed through the Commonwealth Courts Portal or at the Melbourne registry at 305 William Street. Some early court events may be held online, so check your court notice to see how to attend.
What is the Ballarat Drug Court?
A part of the Magistrates' Court, opened in 2022, for people whose offending is linked to drug or alcohol use. If you plead guilty, live in the court's catchment area and are facing a jail term of up to two years, you may be sentenced to a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order. It's a jail sentence served in the community, with treatment, regular testing and close supervision by a magistrate, and the jail term can be activated if you don't follow it. Sexual offences and offences causing more than minor injury aren't eligible.
Other cities
Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Perth · Adelaide · Gold Coast · Canberra · Darwin · Hobart
Regional centres: Newcastle · Sunshine Coast · Central Coast · Wollongong · Geelong · Townsville · Cairns · Toowoomba · Bendigo · Launceston
Free, no obligation
Need a lawyer in Ballarat?
Leave your details and we'll put you in touch with a firm that handles your kind of matter.
We only share your details with lawyers who can help with your matter. Privacy policy