Ten Geelong firms for everyday legal matters, with which kinds of work each one takes on, who leads it, and what Victorian law says about costs and complaints.
Google ratings checked 24 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026
Ask the firm about first consultation terms for general matters. Simple wills can be started on the firm's YOURWILL online platform, and more complex matters are booked as a meeting with a lawyer. Family law first consultations run up to one hour on a fixed fee.
Office
70 Gheringhap Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Harwood Andrews is the biggest firm on this page, with about 47 people at its Gheringhap Street office, and it says its roots in Geelong go back to 1842. Everyday matters are covered by separate teams for wills and estates, property and conveyancing, family law, commercial work and disputes. Simple wills can be started on its YOURWILL online platform, with a meeting with a lawyer for anything more involved. It suits people and family businesses who want a large local firm. Family law first consultations run up to an hour on a fixed fee.
Traces its origins to 1842
Also worth knowing
The firm lists 2026 rankings as a leading Victorian family law firm and in wills, estates and succession planning.
Lawyers
These are the wills and family law leads. Ask the firm who handles property, business or dispute work.
Daniela Pavlovic, Principal, Wills and Estates
Deborah Anderson, Principal Lawyer, Wills and Estates
Tristan Burke, Senior Associate, Wills and Estates
Lisa Hunt, Principal, Head of Family Law
Bridgette Kelly, Principal, Family Law Accredited specialist
Best for People who want a large local firm with specialist led teams for estates, property or family matters
Coulter Legal was formerly Coulter Roache, and its website still uses the coulterroache.com.au address.
Its Geelong page lists eight directors and principal lawyers, each heading a practice group.
Bonnie Phillips, head of family law, is an LIV accredited family law specialist, and Kirsty Brealey, head of wills and estates, is an accredited wills and estates specialist, according to the firm.
The family law group offers a free 30 minute initial advice session, with longer paid strategy sessions available. Ask the firm about first consultation terms for other matters.
Office
Level 1, 235 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Coulter Legal was known as Coulter Roache until it changed its name, and it is a large Ryrie Street firm run by managing principal Tom White. It has separate groups for wills and estates, family law, property and conveyancing, business and disputes, each headed by a principal. The firm says family law head Bonnie Phillips is an LIV accredited specialist, and wills and estates head Kirsty Brealey is accredited in that area. It suits people who want a specialist led team for a will, a sale or a separation. The family law group offers a free 30 minute first session.
Also worth knowing
The firm offers a free 30 minute first session for family law matters.
Lawyers
The firm has many more associates and lawyers across its groups.
Tom White, Director and Managing Principal, Corporate and Commercial
Stefan Manche, Director and Principal, Wills, Estates and Succession Planning
Kirsty Brealey, Principal Lawyer, Head of Wills, Estates and Succession Planning Accredited specialist
Bonnie Phillips, Director and Principal, Head of Family and Relationship Law Accredited specialist
James Maxwell, Principal Lawyer, Deputy Head of Family and Relationship Law
Katherine Hayes, Principal Lawyer, Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Alicia Carroll, Principal Lawyer, Corporate and Commercial
Areas of solicitors law handled
Wills and estate planning
Contesting a will
Estate administration
Buying or selling property
Conveyancing
Family and relationship law
Intervention orders
Buying and selling businesses
Leasing
Debt recovery
Building and consumer disputes
Employment law
Office
Level 1, 235 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Other details
Other offices
Torquay, Barwon Heads, Melbourne CBD, Mornington and Robe (SA)
Book by calling (03) 5221 8777 and ask about first consultation terms. The firm has partnered with Just Fund to offer funding options for eligible family law clients.
Office
347 Moorabool Street, South Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Wightons is a full service firm with four offices around Geelong and, the firm says, more than 125 years of history in the region. Its Geelong office is now at 347 Moorabool Street, South Geelong, with others in Corio, Ocean Grove and Winchelsea. The firm says managing principal Justine Finlay is an accredited specialist in commercial law and in wills and estates, and principal Jesse Rankine in wills and estates. A team of about 15 covers wills, probate, conveyancing, family law, business sales, leasing and debt recovery. It suits families and small businesses, including those outside the CBD. Just Fund funding is available for eligible family law clients.
Also worth knowing
Its Geelong office has moved to South Geelong, and it also runs offices in Corio, Ocean Grove and Winchelsea.
Lawyers
The firm also has several lawyers in wills, property, litigation and debt recovery, plus two conveyancers.
Justine Finlay, Managing Principal Accredited specialist
Jesse Rankine, Principal Accredited specialist
Ben McLean, Principal, litigation, wills and commercial
Anthony Farnan, Principal, commercial
Susan Fridey, Consultant, Family Law
Jacinta Learey, Senior Lawyer, Family Law
Lauren Williams, Senior Lawyer, Family Law
Areas of solicitors law handled
Wills and powers of attorney
Estate planning
Probate and estate administration
Conveyancing
Family law
Business succession
Buying and selling businesses
Commercial and retail leasing
Litigation and commercial disputes
Debt recovery
Employment contracts
Notary public
Office
347 Moorabool Street, South Geelong VIC 3220
Other details
Other offices
Corio (Corio Shopping Centre), Ocean Grove (100 The Terrace) and Winchelsea (22 Willis Street)
Appointments by phone, email or the online request form. The firm gives a fee estimate based on your circumstances.
Office
Level 2, 100 Brougham Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Whyte Just and Moore says it was set up in Geelong in 1877, which makes it one of the oldest firms in town. It now works from Brougham Street with three principals, Aaron Jolly, Will Punivalu and Alison Mitchell, plus a team of paralegals and probate clerks. Wills and estates is its core, led by Aaron Jolly, an LIV accredited specialist, according to the firm. It also does conveyancing, subdivisions, leases, retirement village contracts, business sales, insolvency and disputes. It suits older clients, executors and property owners. The firm gives a fee estimate based on your circumstances.
Founded in 1877
Also worth knowing
All settlements run electronically through PEXA, the firm says.
Lawyers
Aaron Jolly, Principal, Wills and Estates Accredited specialist
Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms.
Office
43 Gheringhap Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Peter Falconer and Associates is a small Gheringhap Street practice run by principal solicitor Peter Falconer, who the firm says has 40 years in practice. It covers family law, wills and estates, conveyancing, business and disputes from one small office. Peter Falconer focuses on family law, estate claims and business law. Richard Pinkstone works across general practice and Brianna Dodds handles wills. It suits locals who want one small firm for most everyday matters, from a separation to a fencing dispute. Ask the firm about first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
Brianna Dodds joined in 2024 and focuses on wills and estates.
Ben Von Einem and Associates is a Moorabool Street practice built around court work, and it is the only firm on this page that covers criminal charges and traffic alongside family law, intervention orders, wills and probate. Ben von Einem was admitted in 2000 and has spent more than 20 years in the Geelong region, according to the firm. The firm says it runs its own cases rather than briefing barristers where it can, and it appears weekly at Colac. It suits people whose problem is heading to court. Ask the firm about first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
A senior lawyer is based in Torquay, the firm says.
Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms.
Office
Level 1, 166a Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Birdsey, Dedman and Bartlett is a two partner Ryrie Street firm that says it began in 1898, when Charles Birdsey opened offices in the same street. Partner Lorraine Secen is an accredited wills and estates specialist, the firm says, and has been with it for more than 35 years. Partner Andrew Hill joined in 1973 and handles commercial, rural and residential property and wills. The firm focuses on wills, contested estates, probate, conveyancing and leasing. It suits executors and families with farm or property assets. Contact the firm to ask about consultation terms.
Founded in 1898
Also worth knowing
Its work covers wills, contested estates, probate and residential, commercial and farm property.
Free first 30 minute interview for family law matters, which covers next steps and likely costs. Out of hours appointments in special circumstances.
Office
63 Gheringhap Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Roger O'Halloran and Company is a family run general practice that Roger O'Halloran opened in Little Malop Street in 1935, the firm says. It is now led by principal Brendan O'Halloran, who holds a graduate diploma in advanced family law, and works from a ground floor office on Gheringhap Street. It covers conveyancing, wills and deceased estates, family law and divorce, small business work and court appearances. It also offers home and hospital visits and Russian translation. It suits locals who want a small firm for everyday matters. Family law clients get a free first 30 minute interview.
Founded in 1935
Also worth knowing
Its ground floor office is accessible, and it offers home and hospital visits.
Lawyers
Brendan O'Halloran, Principal
Olga Gridina, Wills and estates, family law and immigration law
Areas of solicitors law handled
Conveyancing
Commercial leasing
Business sales and purchases
Wills and powers of attorney
Deceased estates
Family provision claims
Parenting and property matters
Divorce
Court appearances and litigation
Victims of crime compensation
Office
63 Gheringhap Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Other details
Languages
Russian (the firm offers Russian translation and interpreting)
Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms.
Office
D1, Federal Mills Park, 33 Mackey Street, North Geelong VIC 3215
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Mast Lawyers works from Federal Mills Park in North Geelong with a team of 11 lawyers, including four principals. Its focus is private and family businesses and the people who own them, so wills, trusts, succession, property and business sales sit together. Principal Dan Simmonds has more than 40 years advising family businesses and farming families, and won the LIV President's General Award, according to the firm. It suits business owners and farmers planning succession or selling up. Ask the firm about consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
Its services cover wills, trusts, succession, conveyancing, leasing and business sales.
Lawyers
The firm also has seven other lawyers. Ask who will handle your matter.
Dan Simmonds, Principal Lawyer
Ashleigh Wall, Principal Lawyer
Simon Tait, Principal Lawyer
Nick Betts, Principal Lawyer
Areas of solicitors law handled
Wills and estates
Trusts
Superannuation
Business and personal succession planning
Asset protection
Property conveyancing
Retail and commercial leasing
Buying and selling businesses
Commercial contracts
Taxation
Office
D1, Federal Mills Park, 33 Mackey Street, North Geelong VIC 3215
Appointments by phone at either office. Ask the firm about first consultation terms.
Office
40 Myers St, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Mann Legal has been in practice since 1994, the firm says, and runs offices on Myers Street in Geelong and on Zeally Bay Road in Torquay. Principal Peter Mann has practised since 1980 and handles caravan park, motel and hospitality business sales. Partner Belinda Cook handles wills, estates, conveyancing and subdivisions, and Diana Dimovski takes on contested estates. The firm suits small business owners and Surf Coast property buyers who also need a will. Appointments are made by phone at either office.
In practice since 1994
Also worth knowing
Its team handles caravan park, motel and hospitality business sales, as well as wills and contested estates.
Lawyers
Ask the firm which lawyer handles your type of matter.
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 Geelong office that handle the everyday matters people take to a solicitor, such as wills and estates, conveyancing, family law, small business and farm succession work, debts and disputes, and minor court matters. Some are general practices that cover most of that range, and others concentrate on estates, property and business. We say which in each write-up and in the table above. 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.
Which Geelong firms take which matters
Geelong's solicitors don't all do the same work. The larger firms here, Harwood Andrews, Coulter Legal and Wightons, cover most everyday areas, family law included. Several others concentrate on wills, property and business, which is where most people need a solicitor in the first place. Whyte Just & Moore, Birdsey, Dedman & Bartlett, Mast Lawyers and Mann Legal all work that way, and family and criminal law aren't part of their practice.
Your matter
Firms on this list that take it on
A will, power of attorney or deceased estate
All ten
Buying or selling property
All except Ben Von Einem & Associates
Separation, parenting or a property settlement
Harwood Andrews, Coulter Legal, Wightons, Peter Falconer & Associates, Ben Von Einem & Associates, Roger O'Halloran & Company
Buying, selling or running a business
All except Ben Von Einem & Associates. Mast Lawyers and Mann Legal lean most towards business work
Debts and disputes
Harwood Andrews, Coulter Legal, Wightons, Whyte Just & Moore, Peter Falconer & Associates, Roger O'Halloran & Company, Mann Legal
Intervention orders
Coulter Legal, Peter Falconer & Associates, Ben Von Einem & Associates
Criminal and traffic charges
Ben Von Einem & Associates
From each firm's own website, October 2026. Check with the firm before you book.
For a serious criminal charge or a contested parenting case, a firm that does that work every day is worth the extra search. Our criminal lawyers Geelong and family lawyers Geelong pages list the local specialists. When you call any firm, ask who will do the work, which office they're in and how they charge.
Solicitor, barrister or conveyancer
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 court work in Geelong.
Barristers: they specialise in representing clients in court, and the Victorian Bar says they also work as negotiators and mediators. They aren't obliged to take work directly from individuals, but many do. If you go straight to one, 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, and for criminal charges in a Magistrates' Court, through the Bar's BarristerCONNECT service
What barristers can't do: incorporate companies, convey property or administer a trust. That work goes to a solicitor, or for conveyancing, a licensed conveyancer
Licensed conveyancers: complaints about them go to Consumer Affairs Victoria, not to the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner
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, including when someone approaches you offering legal services. The register shows the lawyer's name, their law practice, a suburb and postcode for service, and any disciplinary action. Languages, areas of law and Law Institute of Victoria accredited specialisations appear only where the lawyer has agreed to list them, so a blank field tells you nothing.
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, check the LIV's own directory.
What you're entitled to be told about costs
Solicitors charge by the hour, by a fixed fee or by another method. Some firms here say they give a fee estimate up front, and Harwood Andrews runs fixed fee family law first consultations. Whatever the method, Victorian law sets out what your solicitor must tell you, and when.
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.
Timing: 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 the disclosure 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, and 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 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
Bills: your lawyer must give you a bill before asking you to pay, and can't charge you for preparing it. With 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. If the itemised bill comes out higher, the lawyer can only recover the extra if they warned you in writing when they gave you the lump sum bill, and the higher amount is then confirmed through a costs assessment or a binding decision by the Commissioner
If you're unhappy with your solicitor
Raise it with the lawyer first. For most complaints the VLSB+C requires you to show you've tried to sort it out with them.
A bill you think is wrong. 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.
Time limit: 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. Its 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
VLSB+C limits from 1 July 2026. They're likely to change each July.
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.
Poor 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.
How: 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, and judges, magistrates and court staff (the Judicial Commission of Victoria)
Geelong courts, registries and where matters go
Most local court work happens on Railway Terrace, beside Geelong Railway Station. Probate and family law filing go through Melbourne or online.
Your matter
Where it goes
Criminal and traffic charges, intervention orders
Geelong Magistrates' Court, Railway Terrace, (03) 9087 6113, open 9am to 4:30pm on weekdays. It hears family violence and personal safety intervention orders, and Geelong has one of Victoria's Specialist Family Violence Courts
Debts and other money claims
The Magistrates' Court hears claims up to $100,000, and the County Court hears civil claims with no upper limit
Young people
The Children's Court sits at Geelong Magistrates' Court, the headquarter court for Barwon South West. Its other venues in the region are Colac, Hamilton and Warrnambool
Divorce, parenting and property after separation
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sits on circuit at the Geelong Law Courts Complex, Railway Terrace, but you can't file there. 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 Geelong for final hearings. Enquiries 1300 352 000
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, Children's Court of Victoria, FCFCOA, Supreme Court of Victoria and Fines Victoria, October 2026.
Specialist lists at Geelong: the Magistrates' Court runs a Koori Court for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who take responsibility for an offence and plead guilty, the Assessment and Referral Court, and the Court Integrated Services Program (CISP) for people on bail who need support, phone (03) 4249 4871
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
Free legal help in Geelong
Victoria Legal Aid and community legal centres help with some legal problems for free. Private solicitors charge.
Victoria Legal Aid Geelong: Level 2, 199 Moorabool Street, (03) 5226 5666 or 1800 196 200. It's best to make an appointment before you visit. VLA asks you to bring your documents, a list of questions, your health care card and proof of income, because legal advice depends on eligibility
Duty lawyers: VLA's Geelong office runs the duty lawyer service at the Geelong and Colac courts. It may not be available every day and not everyone is eligible, so contact VLA before your court date
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
Barwon Community Legal Service: Level 1, 63 Thomson Street, Belmont, 1300 430 599. 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. Call to check whether it can help with your matter
Family law court days: if family violence is an issue in a family law case, VLA's Family Advocacy and Support Service can help when the Geelong circuit is sitting, in person or by phone, on (03) 8610 9803. It gives one off advice and help applying for legal aid, but doesn't take on ongoing representation or final hearings
Geelong Family Relationship Centre: run by CatholicCare Victoria at Level 1, 92 to 100 Brougham Street, (03) 5221 7055, for family dispute resolution and family law counselling. Information and individual sessions are free, and so is the first hour of joint family dispute resolution
Family violence: The Orange Door Barwon, 83 Moorabool Street, 1800 312 820, open weekdays 9am to 5pm. Women's Legal Service Victoria takes calls from regional Victoria on 1800 133 302. 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
Other community legal centres: 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
Geelong solicitors law: common questions
Which Geelong solicitors handle family law or criminal charges?
On this list, Harwood Andrews, Coulter Legal, Wightons, Peter Falconer & Associates, Ben Von Einem & Associates and Roger O'Halloran & Company take family law matters. Ben Von Einem & Associates is the one firm here that takes criminal and traffic charges. Whyte Just & Moore, Birdsey, Dedman & Bartlett, Mast Lawyers and Mann Legal concentrate on wills, property and business.
Do I need a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer to buy a house?
You can use either. Barristers can't convey property, so conveyancing goes to a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. Nine of the ten firms on this list do conveyancing. One practical difference: complaints about a solicitor go to the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, while complaints about a licensed conveyancer go to Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Where is the court in Geelong?
Geelong Magistrates' Court is on Railway Terrace, next to Geelong Railway Station, on (03) 9087 6113, open 9am to 4:30pm on weekdays. It hears criminal and traffic charges and intervention orders, and the Children's Court sits there too. The Magistrates' Court hears money claims up to $100,000.
Can I file family law papers in Geelong?
No. The Federal Circuit and Family Court sits in Geelong on circuit at the Geelong Law Courts Complex, but there's no registry, so documents are filed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal or at the Melbourne registry, 305 William Street. Early events are usually held online, and judges travel to Geelong for final hearings.
What does my solicitor have to tell me about costs?
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, usually soon after you engage them, and update you in writing if costs are likely to rise. Under $750 they don't have to, but you can ask.
What can I do if I think my solicitor's bill is wrong?
Raise it with the lawyer first. You can ask for an itemised bill within 30 days of the costs becoming payable. If that doesn't settle it, contact the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner on (03) 9679 8001 or 1300 796 344. 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.
Where can I get free legal help in Geelong?
Victoria Legal Aid's Geelong office is at Level 2, 199 Moorabool Street, on (03) 5226 5666 or 1800 196 200, and it's best to make an appointment before you go. Barwon Community Legal Service in Belmont, on 1300 430 599, helps people in Geelong, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine and Colac Otway. VLA's Legal Help line is 1300 792 387, 8am to 6pm on weekdays.
General information only, not legal advice.
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