Ten Ballarat firms for everyday legal matters, with what each one handles, where its offices are, and your rights on costs, bills and complaints in Victoria.
Google ratings checked 24 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026
Contact the firm by phone or email to book, and ask about first consultation terms.
Office
41 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Nevett Wilkinson Frawley is a regional practice with its head office on Lydiard Street South and branches in Beaufort, Daylesford and Castlemaine. Managing partner Ben Franklin leads a team of about a dozen lawyers. The range is wide for a country firm: wills and estates, conveyancing, family law, leases, small business, debt recovery and disputes, with special counsel Ben Green also taking criminal and intervention order work. It suits households and farming or business clients who want one local firm for most things. Contact the firm to book an appointment.
Also worth knowing
The firm says its Beaufort, Daylesford and Castlemaine offices came from joining with local practices there.
Lawyers
Ask which office your lawyer works from.
Ben Franklin, Managing Partner
David Andrewartha, Partner, property and planning
Peter Glare, Senior Lawyer, property, wills and commercial
Ben Green, Special Counsel, disputes, criminal and intervention orders
Jason Koutes, Senior Associate, property
India Taylor-Rowe, Senior Associate, family law
Matthew McKiernan, Senior Associate, commercial
Harrison Waller, Associate, property and commercial
Samantha Harbridge, Lawyer, conveyancing and wills
Philippa Holm, Lawyer, family law and litigation
Simon Goodman, Lawyer, commercial, disputes and wills
The first appointment covers initial advice, your options, the likely process, timeframes and costs. Fixed fees may be offered for wills, powers of attorney, conveyancing and simpler matters. Phone, email and video appointments are available.
Office
9 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Baird & McGregor says it has practised in Ballarat since 1898, and it is a classic country general practice, now run by managing director Tom Keightley with directors Andrew Baird and Neale Gribble. Its lawyers cover conveyancing and property, wills and estates, family law, business sales and leases, and disputes including debt recovery. A second office in Daylesford serves the Hepburn area. It suits locals who want a long standing firm for life's routine legal jobs. The firm says the first appointment covers your options, timeframes and likely costs, and fixed fees are offered for some work.
Established in 1898
Also worth knowing
It has offices in Ballarat and Daylesford.
Lawyers
Tom Keightley, Managing Director
Andrew Baird, Director
Neale Gribble, Director
Don Robinson, Special Counsel
Andrew Robson, Special Counsel
Alana Ryan, Senior Associate, family law
Savannah Keightley, Senior Associate, family law and litigation
Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms. The firm says it helps clients apply for legal aid.
Office
Boswell House, 17 Dawson St Sth, Ballarat VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Cinque Oakley Bryant is a four solicitor practice in Boswell House on Dawson Street South. Dean Cinque founded it in 1984, the firm says, and still handles wills, estates, property and commercial work. Unusually for a general firm, it also takes criminal and traffic matters, through Richard Oakley and Jon Irwin, who ran his own criminal practice in Ballarat for ten years, according to his profile. Brett Bryant handles disputes and debt recovery and is an accredited commercial litigation specialist with the Law Institute of Victoria, according to the firm. It suits people who want experienced solicitors on everyday work. Ask the firm about first consultation terms.
Founded in 1984
Also worth knowing
Its solicitors cover wills, estates, property, family, criminal, traffic and debt recovery.
Lawyers
Dean Cinque, Founder and Solicitor, commercial, wills, estates and property
Richard Oakley, Solicitor, family law and crime
Jon Irwin, Solicitor, criminal, traffic, intervention orders, civil and family
Contact the Ballarat or Ararat office to ask about first consultation terms.
Office
17 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Nevetts, formerly Nevett Ford Ballarat, says it traces its roots to the goldfields in the 1850s. It works from Lydiard Street North and from Ararat. Three directors lead a team of about 15 lawyers, and the firm lists each as an accredited specialist: Cathy Drake in commercial tenancy law, James Remington in workplace relations and Marnie Papst in commercial law. Its work covers property and conveyancing, wills and probate, business, employment and disputes, with probate managers and conveyancers alongside the lawyers. It suits business owners, landholders and anyone with a property or estate matter. Contact the firm to discuss terms.
History traced to the 1850s
Also worth knowing
Ararat firm Tivey & Holland, founded in 1953, has joined Nevetts, the firm says.
Lawyers
Ask which office your lawyer works from.
Cathy Drake, Director Accredited specialist
James Remington, Director Accredited specialist
Marnie Papst, Director Accredited specialist
Peter Wilson, Consultant
Gabrielle Andersen, Special Counsel
Euphemie Barr, Senior Associate
Meg Fritsch, Senior Associate
Josh Curtis, Senior Associate
Tom O'Dwyer, Senior Associate
Jarrah Staley, Senior Associate
Jacinta Ryan, Lawyer
Morgan McKinnon, Lawyer
Hayley Barrow, Lawyer
Tess Armstrong, Lawyer
Rebecca Clowes, Lawyer
Areas of solicitors law handled
Residential and rural conveyancing
Commercial property and leasing
Wills and estate planning
Probate and estate administration
Business sales and structures
Commercial contracts
Employment and workplace advice
Litigation and dispute resolution
Wind and solar farm agreements
Office
17 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat VIC 3350
Other details
Other offices
Ararat (97 Barkly Street), trading as Tivey & Holland Nevetts Lawyers
Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms. JustFund credit is available for eligible family law clients.
Office
38 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
BJT Legal says it was founded in Ballarat in 1928 by T.E. Byrne, and it was long known as Byrne, Jones and Torney. Managing director Stacey Grose leads a team with three other directors, a wills manager and a senior conveyancer. Its work covers wills and deceased estates, conveyancing, property and leasing, family law, employment, commercial work and succession planning for business and farming families. It suits people wanting a larger local firm for property, estate and family matters. JustFund credit is available for eligible family law clients, and you can ask the firm about first consultation terms.
Founded in 1928
Also worth knowing
It has a separate page for medical practices.
Lawyers
Ask the firm which lawyer handles your type of matter.
Stacey Grose, Managing Director
Hayley Coates, Director
Andrew Turner, Director
Peta Maskell, Director
Stephen Byrne, Consultant
Kellie Gregg, Senior Associate, family law
Sarah Byrne, Associate
Tynan Haintz, Associate
Michael Mennen, Lawyer
Bronte Wilson, Lawyer
Areas of solicitors law handled
Wills
Deceased estates and probate
Residential conveyancing
Property and leasing
Family law
Commercial law
Employment law
Succession planning
Banking and finance
Office
38 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms.
Office
6 Dawson Street North, Ballarat VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Heinz Law is a Dawson Street North firm that calls itself Ballarat's largest, with a North Geelong office by appointment. It covers six areas: property, wills, estates and probate, family law, private client work, disputes and litigation, and corporate and commercial matters. Family law is a strong area. Consultant Peter Heinz, an accredited specialist in family law according to the firm, has more than 40 years of experience, and associate Tamar Haigazian, president of the Ballarat and District Law Association, runs matters day to day. It suits people who want a bigger local firm across most everyday areas. Contact the firm about first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
Associate Tamar Haigazian is president of the Ballarat and District Law Association.
Lawyers
Peter Heinz, Consultant, family law Accredited specialist
Complimentary 30 minute family law consultation through the Law Institute of Victoria. JustFund credit is available for family law fees. Online booking is available.
Office
Oxford Chambers, 104 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Saines Lucas says it has practised in Ballarat since 1939, and its main work is personal injury, WorkCover and TAC claims. Alongside that sit property and conveyancing, wills and deceased estates, family law led by Natasha Papaelia, employment disputes and domestic building and consumer claims. It runs two Ballarat offices, at Oxford Chambers and Trades Hall, plus offices in Ararat, Melton and Horsham. It suits working people and families across western Victoria, especially if an injury claim is part of the picture. The firm says it offers a complimentary 30 minute family law consultation through the Law Institute of Victoria.
Operating since 1939
Also worth knowing
Natasha Papaelia leads the family law team.
Lawyers
Ask the firm who will handle a property or wills matter.
Natasha Papaelia, Family Lawyer, leads the family law team
Areas of solicitors law handled
Residential conveyancing
Property law
Wills and powers of attorney
Deceased estates
Family law
Unfair dismissal and discrimination
Domestic building and consumer disputes
WorkCover and TAC claims
Office
Oxford Chambers, 104 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat VIC 3350
Other details
Other offices
Trades Hall office in Camp Street, Ballarat, plus Ararat, Melton (with WPC Lawyers) and Horsham
Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms. It has a family law funding page.
Office
31 Lyons Street North, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Curwen Walker calls itself one of Ballarat's oldest firms, with a link to the town going back to the gold rush. Family law is now its main focus under managing director Tom Sullivan, who worked in Family Court judicial chambers before practising, his profile says. The firm also handles wills, estates and probate, contested wills, conveyancing and business work, and it has a particular interest in farming disputes. It suits rural families and landholders around Ballarat and Creswick. The firm has a family law funding page, and you can ask about first consultation terms.
History traced to the 1850s
Also worth knowing
Managing director Tom Sullivan worked in Family Court judicial chambers before admission.
Consultations can be booked through the firm's site. The firm says fees are explained upfront before work begins.
Office
721 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Ballarat Lawyers is a small Sturt Street practice run by two partners. Carly Burke has 17 years in property law across Melbourne and Ballarat, the firm says, and handles conveyancing, leases, wills and estates, with conveyancing also run through the firm's Haines Conveyancing Service. Founding partner Annette Stone leads the family law work, including property settlements, and the firm says she has been an accredited family law specialist since 2016. It suits people buying or selling a home, updating a will or going through a separation who want a partner on their file. The firm says fees are explained before any work starts.
Also worth knowing
Fees are explained upfront before work begins, the firm says.
Lawyers
Carly Burke, Partner, property, conveyancing and wills
Annette Stone, Founding Partner, family law Accredited specialist
Contact M Group Legal to arrange an appointment and ask about first consultation terms.
Office
300B Gillies Street North, Wendouree VIC 3355
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
M Group Legal is the legal team inside M Group, the Ballarat accounting and finance business formerly called Mulcahy & Co, which rebranded in late 2025. Director and principal solicitor Brad Matthews leads four other lawyers and two senior conveyancers from Gillies Street North in Wendouree. The work is property and business focused: farm, residential and commercial conveyancing, subdivisions and leases, wills and estate planning, and buying or selling a business. It suits farmers and business owners who already use the group's accountants. Contact the firm about consultation terms.
Group founded around 1998 as an accounting practice
Also worth knowing
It handles farm, commercial and residential conveyancing, wills and business sales.
Lawyers
Brad Matthews, Director and Principal Solicitor
Anthea Stevens, Partner and Solicitor
Hannah Soar, Senior Associate
Michael Morrow, Consultant Solicitor
Brianna Petrowski, Lawyer
Areas of solicitors law handled
Farm conveyancing
Residential and commercial conveyancing
Subdivision and land development
Leases
Stamp duty and land tax advice
Wills and estate planning
Powers of attorney
Buying and selling a business
Shareholder and business agreements
Business structures
Office
300B Gillies Street North, Wendouree VIC 3355
Other details
Other offices
Ararat, Geelong and Mildura legal pages; group offices in Melbourne, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba
Firm details come from each firm's own website. Google ratings are shown as published on Google and don't set the order. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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How we compiled this list
We include firms with a Ballarat office that handle the everyday matters people take to a solicitor, such as wills and estates, conveyancing, family law, farm and small business work, debts and disputes, and minor court matters. Most are general practices. Where a firm leans towards one area, such as injury claims, family law or property and business, we say so in the write-up. For each firm we read its own website in October 2026 and wrote the description ourselves. In Victoria, specialist accreditation is run by the Law Institute of Victoria. We name an accredited specialist where the firm's own site names the lawyer and the area, and we say the claim comes from the firm, so check names on the LIV's directory of accredited specialists. Free consultations and fee terms are as the firm describes them, so confirm them when you call. We show Google ratings with the date we checked them.
Firms can pay for a featured listing on some of our pages, which affects where they appear. No firm on this page pays, and the order is our own. Payment doesn't buy the write-up. We write those ourselves, and firms don't get to edit them. If something here is out of date, let us know. There's more detail on how we rank law firms.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules are as published by the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, Victoria Legal Aid, the Law Institute of Victoria, the Victoria Law Foundation, the Victorian Bar, the Magistrates' Court of Victoria, the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in October 2026. Costs dispute limits and the small estate limit are as at 1 July 2026.
What a solicitor does, and when you need a barrister
For most legal problems a solicitor is where you start. The Victoria Law Foundation says solicitors advise clients, prepare legal documents and brief barristers when a matter is going to court or needs specialist advice. Some solicitors also represent clients in the Magistrates' Court themselves, which covers most local court work in Ballarat.
Solicitor
Barrister
First contact
Usually your first point of contact. Advises you on your legal problem, prepares documents and briefs a barrister if needed
Usually briefed by your solicitor if the matter goes to court or needs specialist advice
Court
Some represent clients in the Magistrates' Court or help barristers in the higher courts
Specialises in representing clients in court. The Victorian Bar says barristers also work as negotiators and mediators
Paperwork
Prepares legal documents
Can't incorporate companies, convey property or administer a trust
Hiring them yourself
Yes
Not obliged to take work directly from individuals, but many do
Because barristers can't do conveyancing, set up companies or administer trusts, that work goes to a solicitor, or for conveyancing, a licensed conveyancer. If you do go straight to a barrister, you should receive an Information to a Prospective Client Disclosure Statement, which explains any effect that using a barrister without a solicitor may have on your case. You can find a barrister through your solicitor, a barristers' clerk or the Victorian Bar website. For criminal charges in a Magistrates' Court, the Victorian Bar's BarristerCONNECT service is an online way to find one.
Finding and checking a solicitor
Most firms on this list are general practices, so one office can do your will, your house or farm purchase and a small business contract. A few lean one way: Saines Lucas towards injury claims, Curwen Walker towards family law, M Group Legal towards property and business, and only Cinque Oakley Bryant and Nevett Wilkinson Frawley list criminal work. For a serious criminal charge or a contested estate, a firm that does that work every day is worth the extra search.
Check the register. The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C) urges people to search its Register of Lawyers so they only use a qualified lawyer. That includes when someone approaches you offering legal services. The register shows:
the lawyer's name, their law practice and an address for service (suburb, state and postcode only)
any disciplinary action taken against the lawyer, with a link to more information
languages spoken, areas of law and any Law Institute of Victoria accredited specialisations, but only where the lawyer has agreed to list them
Because those last fields are optional, a blank one tells you nothing. A lawyer with no areas of law listed may still do the work you need, so ask the firm.
Accredited specialists: the LIV accredits lawyers as specialists in particular areas of law. A specialist needs at least five years of full time practice, including at least three years in the specialist area, a pass in a comprehensive exam and ongoing professional development, and is re-accredited every three years. Accreditation isn't required to practise. If a firm says a lawyer is an accredited specialist, the LIV's own directory is the place to check
LIV referral: the Law Institute of Victoria's Find Your Lawyer Referral Service can put you in touch with a firm for a free first interview of up to 30 minutes to talk about your problem and the costs. Victoria Legal Aid points out that it isn't 30 minutes of free legal advice. The LIV itself doesn't give legal advice
What to bring: for its own appointments, Victoria Legal Aid says to bring any documents about your legal issue, such as letters, court papers, fines, police statements, emails or medical reports, and a written list of questions. When you book with a private firm, ask what it wants to see
When you call, ask who will do the work, which office they work from, how they charge and whether the first meeting is free. Several firms here have offices outside Ballarat, in places like Daylesford, Ararat and Beaufort.
What a solicitor costs, and your right to know in advance
Solicitors charge by the hour, by a fixed fee or by another method, and some firms on this list say they offer fixed fees for wills, powers of attorney or conveyancing. Whatever the method, Victorian law gives you a right to know the likely cost before the work runs up.
Likely legal costs (excluding GST and disbursements)
What your lawyer must give you
$750 or less
No written disclosure or estimate is required, but you can ask for one
More than $750, up to $3,000
A written costs disclosure and an estimate. The lawyer can use a shorter standard disclosure form
More than $3,000
A full written costs disclosure, with an estimate of the total and how you'll be billed
Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, October 2026.
When: for most matters, the disclosure must be given soon after you engage the lawyer
The estimate: it can be a total or a range that explains what will drive the cost, and it should be genuine and reasonable. If costs are likely to rise, the lawyer should tell you in writing as soon as possible. Before a settlement is finalised, they must estimate the costs you'll have to pay
What it covers: the work to be done, expected costs and disbursements, your rights, your right to written progress reports, and any other lawyers they bring in, such as a barrister, with their terms
Costs agreements: you can ask for and negotiate a costs agreement and the billing method. It's enforceable like any other contract. You don't have to sign it to be bound: if you keep instructing the lawyer, you're treated as agreeing to its terms. A no win, no fee agreement is the exception, and it must be a written costs agreement
If disclosure isn't done properly: any costs agreement is void, and the lawyer can't recover costs from you until they've been assessed or a costs dispute has been decided
Your bill. Your lawyer must give you a bill before asking you to pay, and can't charge you for preparing it. If you get a lump sum or partly itemised bill, you can ask for an itemised one within 30 days of the costs becoming payable, and the lawyer must provide it within 21 days. An itemised bill can come out higher than the lump sum, but the lawyer can only recover the extra if two things happen: they warned you in writing, when they gave you the lump sum bill, that this could happen, and the higher amount is then confirmed through a costs assessment or a binding decision by the Commissioner.
Disputing a bill or complaining about a solicitor
Start with the lawyer. For most complaints the VLSB+C requires you to show you've tried to sort it out with them first.
Costs disputes. Only the person responsible for paying the costs, usually the client, can dispute them. For a deceased estate, the executor can and the beneficiaries can't.
Act quickly: the VLSB+C generally needs a costs dispute within 60 days of the bill becoming payable (usually the date of the bill), or, if you asked for an itemised bill, within 30 days of receiving it. The VLSB+C's own pages word the itemised bill deadline slightly differently, so don't leave it late. Late disputes are accepted only in limited cases, and you must explain the delay
Being sued: a lawyer can sue over an unpaid bill after 30 days, and the VLSB+C can't help once you've been sued. Lodging a dispute stops the lawyer starting recovery proceedings while the VLSB+C deals with it, but you may choose to pay on time anyway, because a lawyer can charge interest on an overdue bill
The Costs Court: you can also apply to the Costs Court of the Supreme Court of Victoria to review your legal costs, even if you've paid, within 12 months of receiving your final bill. Extensions are possible
Your total legal bills
What the VLSB+C can do
Up to $31,440
Accept the dispute, and may do a costs review
$31,440 to $314,330
Informal resolution, including mediation, but no costs review
More than $314,330
Informal resolution only
If your total bill is more than $314,330, the VLSB+C may still be able to deal with it as a costs dispute if the amount you're disputing is less than $31,440. Its pages word this rule differently, so check with the VLSB+C before you rely on it.
VLSB+C limits from 1 July 2026. They're likely to change each July.
Complaints about service or conduct. Anyone can complain about a lawyer's conduct, but only a client can complain about the quality of service. Consumer matters cover costs disputes, poor service and minor conduct issues. Disciplinary matters cover misconduct and unsatisfactory professional conduct. Complaints about service or conduct generally have to be made within three years of the conduct. Costs disputes have the much shorter 60 day (or 30 day) limit set out above.
How: use the VLSB+C's online Consumer enquiry form, with your documents and correspondence ready, or call (03) 9679 8001 or 1300 796 344
Sexual harassment by a lawyer: a separate line on (03) 9679 8090, or the VLSB+C's online reporting tool
Lost trust money: the VLSB+C also handles claims for trust money or property held by a lawyer that has gone missing
What it can't deal with: matters before the courts, including where your lawyer has sued you, licensed conveyancers (complaints go to Consumer Affairs Victoria), and judges, magistrates and court staff (the Judicial Commission of Victoria)
Where Ballarat matters are dealt with
Most local court work happens at one building on Grenville Street South. Probate and family law filing go through Melbourne or online, even when the court sits in Ballarat.
Your matter
Where it goes
Minor criminal and traffic charges, intervention orders
Ballarat Magistrates' Court, 100 Grenville Street South, (03) 7003 4113, open 9am to 4:30pm on weekdays. It is one of Victoria's Specialist Family Violence Courts, and also runs a Drug Court (opened in 2022) and the Assessment and Referral Court
Debts and other money claims
The Magistrates' Court hears claims up to $100,000. The County Court hears civil claims with no upper limit
Serious criminal charges
The County Court sits on circuit at the same Grenville Street South building
Young people
The Children's Court sits at Ballarat Magistrates' Court, the main court for the Grampians region
Divorce, parenting and property after separation
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sits in Ballarat on circuit, but there's no registry. File online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal or at the Melbourne registry, 305 William Street. Early events are usually held online, and judges travel to Ballarat for final hearings
Probate and letters of administration
The Supreme Court's Probate Office, 450 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, 03 8600 2006, open 9.30am to 4pm on weekdays
Traffic and other fines
Victoria Police fines are paid through Fines Victoria. At the infringement or reminder stage, a review goes to the agency that issued the fine. After a Notice of Final Demand, you ask Fines Victoria for an enforcement review instead
Fences, trees and other neighbour disputes
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria, 1300 372 888, offers free, voluntary and confidential mediation
Magistrates' Court of Victoria, County Court of Victoria, Children's Court of Victoria, FCFCOA, Supreme Court of Victoria and Fines Victoria, October 2026.
Small estates: for deaths from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, the small estate limit is $137,210. The Probate Office runs an optional service for simple small estate applications by the named executor or, where there's no will, the next of kin. It isn't available in some cases, such as where the original will is missing, and it can't advise on running the estate
Fines: at the infringement or reminder stage you can pay, nominate the driver for a camera fine, ask for more time or a payment plan, ask for a review or elect to go to court. Once a Notice of Final Demand is issued, you generally can't nominate another driver (there are limited exceptions, such as family violence) and you can't elect to go to court, but you can still pay, ask for a payment plan or more time, or ask for an enforcement review. In court a magistrate can record a conviction, and the penalty can end up higher or lower than the fine
Duty lawyers: Victoria Legal Aid's Ballarat office coordinates duty lawyers at the Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh courts, and at Ararat with the Horsham office. Not everyone is eligible, as it depends on the charges and your circumstances, so ask court staff on the day. Allied Justice is listed as the intervention order duty lawyer service at Ballarat Magistrates' Court
Free legal help in Ballarat
Victoria Legal Aid and community legal centres help with some legal problems for free. Private solicitors charge.
Victoria Legal Aid Ballarat: 106 Market Street, (03) 5329 6222 or 1800 081 719, serving the Central Highlands. It's best to make an appointment. VLA asks you to bring your health care card and proof of income, along with your documents and questions, because legal advice depends on eligibility
Victoria Legal Aid Legal Help: 1300 792 387, 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, closed on public holidays. The line is often busy, so call early. It gives legal information and referrals, with legal advice only for people who are eligible, and it organises a free interpreter when you call. Legal Help Chat on the VLA website runs the same hours but can't book appointments or give specific advice
Allied Justice: formerly the Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service, on (03) 5331 5999 or 1800 466 488. It's the community legal centre for Ballarat and the Grampians. It doesn't do criminal defence, but helps with intervention orders, fines and victims of crime assistance. Ring to check what else it can take on
Other community legal centres: free, confidential legal help, independent of government. There are 49 in Victoria, and some specialise in an area of law or a group of people. Search by postcode or suburb on the Federation of Community Legal Centres website, or call it on (03) 9652 1501
Family violence: The Orange Door Central Highlands, 21 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat, on 1800 219 819, open weekdays 9am to 5pm. In an emergency call 000
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients: the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service gives free legal help across Victoria on 1800 064 865
Disaster Legal Help Victoria: 1800 113 432, for legal questions after a disaster
Ballarat solicitors law: common questions
What's the difference between a solicitor and a barrister?
A solicitor is usually your first point of contact. They advise you, prepare documents and run the matter, and some represent clients in the Magistrates' Court. Barristers specialise in representing clients in court, and a solicitor usually briefs one when a matter is going to court or needs specialist advice. Barristers can't convey property, set up companies or administer trusts.
How do I check a solicitor is registered in Victoria?
Search the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner's Register of Lawyers. It shows the lawyer's name, law practice and suburb, and any disciplinary action. Languages, areas of law and accredited specialisations only appear if the lawyer agrees, so a blank field doesn't mean much.
Does my solicitor have to tell me what it will cost?
Yes, if the legal costs are likely to be more than $750, excluding GST and disbursements. The lawyer must give you a written disclosure and an estimate of the total, and update you in writing if costs are likely to rise. Under $750 they don't have to, but you can ask.
How do I dispute my solicitor's bill or make a complaint?
Raise it with the lawyer first. If that doesn't work, contact the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner on (03) 9679 8001 or 1300 796 344, or use its online Consumer enquiry form. A costs dispute generally needs to be made within 60 days of the bill becoming payable, or 30 days of receiving an itemised bill you asked for. Complaints about service or conduct generally have three years.
Where is the court in Ballarat?
Ballarat Magistrates' Court is at 100 Grenville Street South, open 9am to 4:30pm on weekdays, on (03) 7003 4113. It hears criminal and traffic charges, intervention orders and civil claims up to $100,000. The Children's Court sits there, and the County Court sits on circuit in the same building.
Do I have to go to Melbourne for probate or family law?
Not usually in person. Probate is handled by the Supreme Court's Probate Office at 450 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. The Federal Circuit and Family Court 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. Early events are usually online, and judges travel to Ballarat for final hearings.
Where can I get free legal help in Ballarat?
Victoria Legal Aid has a Ballarat office at 106 Market Street, on (03) 5329 6222 or 1800 081 719, and it's best to make an appointment. Allied Justice, the community legal centre for Ballarat and the Grampians, is on (03) 5331 5999. Victoria Legal Aid's Legal Help line is 1300 792 387, 8am to 6pm on weekdays.
General information only, not legal advice.
Looking in another city? See all our solicitors by city, with a plain English guide to how it works.
