Townsville's courts and its Legal Aid office are all on Walker Street. The Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts share the courthouse at 31 Walker Street, the family court has its own registry at 143 Walker Street, and Legal Aid Queensland is at 22 Walker Street. Townsville is one of the four main Supreme Court registries in Queensland, along with Brisbane, Cairns and Rockhampton.
Our Townsville lists cover criminal law, family law and general solicitors, with where each firm is based and what it handles.
Lawyers in Townsville by area of law
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How legal matters work in Townsville
Criminal charges start in the Magistrates Court. Townsville has a specialist domestic and family violence court, with Palm Island as a circuit court, and a Murri Court for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander defendants. Charges against under 18s go to the Childrens Court, and Townsville's Youth Court, part of the Childrens Court, deals with young people aged 10 to 17 who are repeat offenders at high risk of reoffending.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has a Townsville registry on Level 2, 143 Walker Street, one of four in Queensland. Divorce applications are filed online. Domestic violence orders are a Queensland matter and go to the Magistrates Court, where Legal Aid Queensland's domestic violence duty lawyer attends on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Legal Aid Queensland's duty lawyers also cover the courts at Palm Island, Ayr, Ingham and Charters Towers. The Family Advocacy and Support Service runs in Townsville on weekdays for people affected by family violence who have a family law issue.
Courts in Townsville
- Townsville Magistrates Court
- Most criminal and traffic matters start here, along with domestic violence orders. It's at 31 Walker Street and is one of Queensland's specialist domestic and family violence courts.
- District and Supreme Courts
- Serious criminal charges committed from the Magistrates Court, heard in the same Walker Street courthouse.
- Childrens Court
- Charges against under 18s. Townsville also has a Youth Court for young people who are repeat offenders at high risk of reoffending.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- Separation, parenting and property matters, with a registry on Level 2, 143 Walker Street. Enter through the Blue Foyer at the Stanley Street end.
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, Townsville: Level 4, Northern Securities Building, 22 Walker Street. A family law duty lawyer visits when the family court sits, for people representing themselves.
- North Queensland Women's Legal Service: 1st Floor, 25 Sturt Street. Free legal advice and support for women.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service: 12 to 20 Wills Street, Townsville, with a criminal law office on Palm Island.
- Relationships Australia Queensland: Family dispute resolution at Thuringowa Central.
- Duty lawyers at the Townsville 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 Townsville: common questions
How do I choose a lawyer in Townsville?
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 Townsville?
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 Townsville 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 Townsville?
Yes. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has a registry on Level 2, 143 Walker Street, with courtrooms on the same floor. Enter through the Blue Foyer at the Stanley Street end. Domestic violence orders are a state matter and go to the Magistrates Court at 31 Walker Street.
What is the Townsville Youth Court?
Part of the Childrens Court, for young people aged 10 to 17 who are repeat offenders at high risk of reoffending. A dedicated magistrate hears all its cases and tracks each young person's progress in programs and services. Elders and respected people from the Townsville Community Justice Group give cultural reports to the magistrate and support young people in court.
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