Cairns has its own District Court, Supreme Court and family court registries. The Magistrates Court is on the ground floor of the courthouse at 5D Sheridan Street, with the District and Supreme Courts on Level 3, and Cairns is one of the four main Supreme Court registries in Queensland. The family court has its own registry on Grafton Street.
Our Cairns lists cover criminal law, family law and general solicitors, with where each firm is based and what it handles.
Lawyers in Cairns by area of law
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How legal matters work in Cairns
Criminal charges start in the Magistrates Court. Cairns is one of Queensland's specialist domestic and family violence courts, and it also has a Murri Court, with youth and adult sittings on alternate Fridays, and Court Link, a bail based program for people with drug, alcohol, mental health or housing problems. Childrens Court first appearances are on Wednesdays.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has a Cairns registry at the Commonwealth Government Centre, Level 3, 94 to 104 Grafton Street. Legal Aid Queensland holds regular family law duty lawyer sessions there, and the Family Advocacy and Support Service runs on weekdays. Domestic violence orders go to the Magistrates Court on Sheridan Street, where a free duty lawyer attends on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Legal Aid Queensland's Cairns office is on Level 7 of the Citi Central Building, 46 to 48 Sheridan Street. Cairns Community Legal Centre on Grafton Street helps people experiencing disadvantage, with outreach to Innisfail, Atherton and Mareeba.
Courts in Cairns
- Cairns Magistrates Court
- Most criminal and traffic matters start here, along with domestic violence orders. It's on the ground floor at 5D Sheridan Street and is a specialist domestic and family violence court.
- District and Supreme Courts
- Serious criminal charges committed from the Magistrates Court, on Level 3 of the same courthouse. Cairns has its own District Court registry and is one of four main Supreme Court registries in Queensland.
- Childrens Court
- Charges against under 18s, with first appearances on Wednesdays. A Youth Murri Court sits on alternate Fridays.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- Separation, parenting and property matters, with a registry at Level 3, 94 to 104 Grafton Street.
Free and low cost legal help
- Legal Aid Queensland gives free legal information to anyone, and advice or representation to people who qualify.
- Legal Aid Queensland, Cairns: Level 7, Citi Central Building, 46 to 48 Sheridan Street. Legal Aid Queensland's duty lawyer service covers Cairns and courts at Atherton, Cooktown, Innisfail, Mareeba and Mossman.
- Cairns Community Legal Centre: 2nd Floor, Main Street Arcade, 82 Grafton Street. Help for people experiencing disadvantage who live in its area, including criminal and traffic matters, children's family law matters and domestic violence.
- North Queensland Women's Legal Service: 130 McLeod Street, for women.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service: 59 McLeod Street, for criminal, family and civil law.
- Family Relationship Centre: 125 Grafton Street, offering family dispute resolution for the whole Far North.
- Duty lawyers at the Cairns 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 Queensland Law Society, the professional body for lawyers in Queensland.
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Finding a lawyer in Cairns: common questions
How do I choose a lawyer in Cairns?
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 Cairns?
Often, yes. Legal Aid Queensland 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 Cairns Magistrates Court can help if you're due in court that day.
How do I check a lawyer can practise in Queensland?
Every practising lawyer needs a current practising certificate. Ask the firm for the lawyer's full name and check it with the Queensland Law Society or the local regulator. A good firm won't mind you asking.
Is there a family court in Cairns?
Yes. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has a registry at the Commonwealth Government Centre, Level 3, 94 to 104 Grafton Street. The counter is open 8:45am to 4:30pm on weekdays. Domestic violence orders are a state matter and are heard at the Cairns Magistrates Court on Sheridan Street.
Is there a drug court in Cairns?
No. The Queensland Drug and Alcohol Court sits in Brisbane, and you have to live, or intend to live, in the Brisbane Magistrates Court district to take part. In Cairns, Court Link is a bail based program that links people with support for substance use, mental health, housing and other needs, and you don't have to plead guilty to take part.
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