3.7 Appeals

3.7.1 - Appeals

Legal aid is only available for appeals in family law and child support matters where the applicant:

• is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, or
• has or is experiencing domestic and family violence.

To be eligible for legal aid, the applicant must satisfy:

• the Means Test;
• the Merit Test;
• the Forum Test.

Date last published: 1 July 2026

3.7.2 - Independent Children's Lawyer

Legal Aid NSW may fund an Independent Children’s Lawyer in an appeal where Legal Aid NSW is satisfied the issue on appeal requires the participation of the Independent Children’s Lawyer to represent the best interests of the child.

To be eligible for legal aid the Independent Children’s Lawyer participation in the appeal must satisfy:

• the Merit Test, and
• the Forum Test.

Date last published: 1 July 2026