FREE legal advice will be offered to parents, many whom struggle to navigate the child support system.
Victoria Legal Aid lawyers will provide half-hour appointments in Dandenong from 5 February on problems such as getting or paying child support, paternity testing and maintenance payments.
VLA child support program manager Kathleen Ng said the lawyers had experience helping parents navigate the child support system.
“Many of the parents we advise find the system complex and hard to understand, especially if they have difficulties with language, a disability or limited education.
“Parents with a history of family violence are particularly vulnerable.”
Ms Ng said early legal advice helped avoid accruing arrears that may not be recovered.
“Our work is about making sure that children of separated parents are financially supported in accordance with the law.”
In 2014-15 Victoria Legal Aid provided 149 services to City of Greater Dandenong residents with child support issues.
The child support outreach service is available by appointment in Dandenong on 5 February, 19 February, 11 March, 1 April, 22 April, 6 May, 20 May, 3 June and 17 June.
It is independent of the Department of Human Services.
Ms Ng said VLA also held free legal information sessions on child support at community group meetings.
For details phone 1300 792 387 on weekdays between 8.45am and 5.15pm.
More information on child support is at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au.
