24/07/2026
🚨 Important Changes to Legal Aid NSW. Will You Still Qualify?
If you're separating, going through a parenting dispute, property settlement or divorce, there are some important changes to Legal Aid NSW that may affect you.
Because of funding shortages, Legal Aid NSW has changed who can receive free or subsidised legal representation.
What changed on 1 July 2026?
From 1 July, many people will no longer qualify for Legal Aid in family law matters, even if they would have previously.
For new applications involving:
👨👩👧 Parenting arrangements
🏡 Property settlements
📄 Divorce
⚖️ Contravention or enforcement applications
🧪 Drug testing matters
Legal Aid will generally only be available if you:
✔️ Identify as Aboriginal; or
✔️ Are a victim-survivor of domestic and family violence,
and you still meet Legal Aid's financial and merit tests.
If you already have Legal Aid approved, your funding will continue, provided you remain eligible.
What changed on 30 July 2026?
Legal Aid NSW has also introduced further changes that may make it harder to qualify and may mean you need to contribute towards the cost of your matter.
These include:
💲 A new $75 contribution
Most people receiving Early Resolution Assistance (such as early legal help or negotiations) or a new grant of Legal Aid will now need to pay an upfront contribution of $75, unless an exemption applies.
💰 Lower income limits
Legal Aid has reduced the amount of income you can earn and still qualify.
To be eligible under the simplified income test, your gross household income generally needs to be below:
• Single person: $670 per week ($34,840 per year)
• Couple: $920 per week ($47,840 per year)
• Single parent with children: $1,376 per week ($71,552 per year)
• Couple with children: $1,670 per week ($86,840 per year)
This means many people who previously qualified may no longer be eligible.
🏠 Property settlement matters
If Legal Aid is helping you with a property settlement, you may now be required to sign additional documents allowing Legal Aid NSW to recover costs if appropriate.
⚖️ Changes for lawyers
Legal Aid has also changed the way it reimburses private lawyers for expenses, which is part of its effort to manage limited public funding.
What does this mean for you?
Unfortunately, these changes mean that fewer people will qualify for Legal Aid NSW, and some people who previously would have received funding may now need to pay privately for legal advice or representation.
If you're not sure whether you're eligible, it's important to seek advice as early as possible so you understand your options.
At Lyon Legal & Conveyancing Services, we can help you understand whether you may qualify for Legal Aid, explain how these changes affect your situation, and discuss the best path forward.
📞 If you have questions about your family law matter, contact our team today. We're here to help you understand your options.
