Victoria Legal Aid Handbook for Lawyers

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) may make a grant of legal assistance to a child to be independently represented in adoption proceedings if any of the following apply:

  • the proceedings are contested
  • there has been an application to dispense with the consent of a natural parent
  • there has been an application to discharge an adoption order.

Documentary requirements

Applications under this guideline can only be submitted via the standard grants assessment process.

A member of the section 29A practitioner panel or section 30 referral panel seeking a grant of legal assistance should submit an application via ATLASExternal Link for assessment, including all of the following documents:

  • a copy of any available documentation or evidence which shows:
    • that the proceedings are contested
      and
    • that an application has been made to dispense with the consent of a natural parent
      or
    • an application has been made to discharge an order for adoption
  • relevant proof of means.

Reviewed 21 February 2022

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