Geelong's courts are on Railway Terrace, right next to Geelong Railway Station. The Magistrates' Court is there, and the family court sits on circuit at the Geelong Law Courts Complex, also on Railway Terrace. Victoria Legal Aid's office is on Moorabool Street, and the local community legal centre is in Belmont.
Our Geelong lists cover criminal law, family law and general solicitors, with where each firm is based and what it handles. Some firms see Geelong clients by appointment, so ask which lawyer will run your file and where you'll meet.
Lawyers in Geelong by area of law
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How legal matters work in Geelong
Criminal charges start in the Geelong Magistrates' Court, which runs a Koori Court, the Assessment and Referral Court, the CISP bail support program and a Specialist Family Violence Court. Geelong doesn't have a Drug Court. More serious charges go through a committal and usually on to the County Court, and the most serious, such as murder, to the Supreme Court. The Children's Court sits at the Geelong Magistrates' Court too.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has no registry in Geelong, 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 money claims, the Magistrates' Court hears claims up to $100,000.
Courts in Geelong
- Geelong Magistrates' Court
- Most criminal and traffic matters start here, along with intervention orders and money claims up to $100,000. It's on Railway Terrace, next to Geelong Railway Station, and the Children's Court sits here too.
- County Court of Victoria
- Serious criminal charges after a committal, and civil claims with no upper limit.
- Supreme Court of Victoria
- The most serious criminal charges, such as murder. Its Probate Office in Melbourne handles probate and letters of administration.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- Separation, parenting and property matters. The court sits on circuit at the Geelong Law Courts Complex on Railway Terrace, but documents are filed 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, Geelong: Level 2, 199 Moorabool Street. It's best to make an appointment before you visit. The office runs the duty lawyer service at the Geelong and Colac courts.
- Barwon Community Legal Service: Level 1, 63 Thomson Street, Belmont. Free legal information, advice and casework for people in Geelong, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine Peninsula and Colac Otway, with priority for people on low incomes and people experiencing family violence.
- Geelong Family Relationship Centre: Run by CatholicCare Victoria on Brougham Street, for family dispute resolution and family law counselling.
- Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service: Free legal help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria.
- Duty lawyers at the Geelong 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.
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Finding a lawyer in Geelong: common questions
How do I choose a lawyer in Geelong?
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 Geelong?
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 Geelong 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 Geelong?
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sits in Geelong on circuit, at the Geelong Law Courts Complex on Railway Terrace. There's no registry, so you can't file documents there. Geelong matters are filed through the Commonwealth Courts Portal or at the Melbourne registry at 305 William Street.
Where do I apply for probate in Geelong?
Probate and letters of administration go through the Supreme Court's Probate Office in Melbourne, at 450 Little Bourke Street, not a local court. For simple small estates, the Probate Office runs an optional service for applications by the named executor or, where there's no will, the next of kin.
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