Legal Advisory

How I Can Help

Two situations I see often. If yours is different, that's fine — get in touch and we'll work through it.

Mental Health Court — when to use it

Most states have a mental health list, diversion program or equivalent (e.g. section 14 in NSW, the Mental Health Court in QLD, the Assessment and Referral Court list in VIC). These pathways recognise that a mental illness, cognitive impairment or major developmental disorder may have contributed to offending, and focus on treatment rather than punishment.

It may be appropriate when

  • There is a diagnosed (or clearly diagnosable) mental illness, cognitive impairment, or serious behavioural disorder.
  • There is a connection between that condition and the alleged offending.
  • A treatment plan is realistic — you have (or can get) a clinician, GP, psychologist or case manager willing to support it.
  • The charge is one the court has power to divert (summary or, in some states, indictable-triable-summarily).

How I help

  • Explain the pathway in your state in plain language.
  • Help you gather the supporting material — GP letters, treatment history, care plans, NDIS documents.
  • Refer you to a lawyer experienced in mental health lists (Legal Aid can often assist).
  • Attend as a support person and liaise with clinicians and case managers.
Urgent mental health support: Lifeline 13 11 14 · Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 · Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467.

Men charged with domestic violence — how the process works

Being served with an AVO/ADVO/DVO/IVO or being charged with a DV offence is confronting. You may be locked out of your home, cut off from your children, and told very little about what happens next. You still have rights — and there are good people on your side.

Typical process

  1. Police application / arrest. An interim order or bail conditions are usually imposed immediately. Read them carefully — a breach is a separate criminal offence.
  2. First court date (mention). You can consent, contest, or seek an adjournment to get legal advice. Do not consent without understanding the consequences for family law, work checks and firearms.
  3. Directions / evidence. The prosecution serves the brief; your lawyer reviews statements, body-worn footage and any medical evidence.
  4. Hearing or resolution. Matters often resolve by negotiated undertakings, withdrawal, or a defended hearing. Related criminal charges run alongside.
  5. Family law overlap. Parenting arrangements can be dealt with by the Federal Circuit and Family Court — an AVO does not automatically stop contact with your children.

How I help

  • Walk you through the order and bail conditions so you don't accidentally breach them.
  • Help you find safe accommodation and think through work, firearms and licensing impacts.
  • Connect you with a lawyer or duty lawyer at your first court date.
  • Put you in touch with men's support and peer groups — see below.
  • Coach you on staying calm, off social media, and away from prohibited contact.

Support groups I can connect you with

  • Dads in Distress / Parents Beyond Breakup (Dads Australia) — peer support groups Australia-wide. 1300 853 437.
  • MensLine Australia — 24/7 phone and online counselling. 1300 78 99 78.
  • No to Violence / Men's Referral Service — behaviour-change referrals. 1300 766 491.
  • Relationships Australia — mediation and family dispute resolution. 1300 364 277.
If you are worried you might harm yourself or others, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 now. Reaching out is not an admission — it is a step that courts view favourably.