Legal matters on the Central Coast are split between three courthouses. The Local Court sits at Gosford, Wyong and Woy Woy, and the Gosford courthouse is shared with the District Court. Legal Aid NSW has its Coast office in Gosford, on Donnison Street.
Our Central Coast lists cover criminal and family law, with where each firm is based and what it handles. Some firms also have offices in Newcastle or Sydney, so ask which lawyer will run your file and where you'll meet.
Lawyers in Central Coast by area of law
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How legal matters work on the Central Coast
Criminal charges start in the Local Court at Gosford, Wyong or Woy Woy, and your court attendance notice says which one. Serious charges go to the District Court at Gosford, or the Supreme Court for the most serious. Young people's cases go to the Children's Court, which sits at Woy Woy and Wyong. Woy Woy is one of four courthouses in NSW set aside for the Children's Court.
The Drug Court generally isn't an option if you live on the Coast, because the Central Coast isn't one of its listed areas. MERIT, a Local Court program for adults with a drug or alcohol problem, runs at Gosford and Wyong instead.
For family law, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia doesn't list a Central Coast location among its NSW sites, so check the court's registry list or ask your lawyer where your case is likely to be heard. Divorce applications are filed online. Apprehended violence orders are a NSW matter and go to the Local Court at Gosford, Wyong or Woy Woy.
Courts in Central Coast
- Central Coast Local Courts
- Most criminal and traffic matters start here, along with apprehended violence orders. The Local Court sits at Gosford, on the corner of Donnison Street and Henry Parry Drive, at 6 Anzac Avenue, Wyong, and at 78 to 80 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy.
- District Court of NSW
- Serious criminal charges, heard at the Gosford courthouse. The most serious charges go to the Supreme Court.
- Children's Court
- Charges against young people, heard at Woy Woy and Wyong.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- Separation, parenting and property matters. The court doesn't list a Central Coast location, so ask your lawyer where your case will be heard. Divorce applications are filed online.
Free and low cost legal help
- Legal Aid NSW gives free legal information to anyone, and advice or representation to people who qualify.
- Legal Aid NSW, Gosford: 92 to 100 Donnison Street, Gosford, the only Legal Aid NSW office listed on the Coast. LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 can tell you whether you're likely to qualify.
- Central Coast Community Legal Centre: The Coast's community legal centre. Check centralcoastclc.org.au for what it helps with and how to book.
- Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT): Criminal law help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Police contact its custody notification service whenever an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is detained.
- Interrelate Family Relationship Centres: Family dispute resolution at 40 Mann Street, Gosford, and 1 Pioneer Avenue, Tuggerah.
- Duty lawyers at the Central Coast Local Courts 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 Society of NSW, the professional body for lawyers in New South Wales.
Need help finding a lawyer in Central Coast?
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Finding a lawyer in Central Coast: common questions
How do I choose a lawyer in Central Coast?
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 Central Coast?
Often, yes. Legal Aid NSW 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 Central Coast Local Courts can help if you're due in court that day.
How do I check a lawyer can practise in New South Wales?
Every practising lawyer needs a current practising certificate. Ask the firm for the lawyer's full name and check it with the Law Society of NSW or the local regulator. A good firm won't mind you asking.
Is there a family court on the Central Coast?
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia doesn't list a Central Coast location among its NSW sites. Check the registry list on fcfcoa.gov.au or ask your lawyer where your case will be heard. Divorce applications are filed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
Can I get into the Drug Court from the Central Coast?
Generally not. The Drug Court only takes people who live in its listed areas, and the Central Coast isn't one of them. MERIT is the local option. It runs at Gosford and Wyong Local Courts for adults with a drug or alcohol problem, and the magistrate decides if you're eligible.
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