Australian Family Law Litigation Funding Options
Family Law Funding Providers:
Focuses exclusively on family law matters. They offer a line of credit for legal fees, and you don’t pay anything back until your settlement comes through. Works with over 1,000 family law firms across Australia.
Covers legal costs plus living expenses while your matter is ongoing. Handy if you’re also dealing with day-to-day bills on top of lawyer fees.
Offers payment plans and funding options for family law cases heading to court. Your lawyer can set up pre-approved limits.
Other Options:
Used to offer family law funding directly but now refers clients to JustFund for these matters.
Understanding Litigation Funding for Family Law
Family law matters often involve significant financial costs. This article outlines one funding option available to eligible clients: JustFund, a litigation funding provider.
Who is JustFund?
JustFund is a litigation funding provider offering line of credit solutions for family law matters. They work with accredited family law firms across Australia to provide funding options to eligible clients.
How JustFund Works
Application
The application process takes approximately 20 minutes. Clients do not need to worry about any impact on their credit score.
Assessment
JustFund will assess your eligibility based on essential information. You will typically receive a response within a week.
Approval
Once approved, JustFund will set up a line of credit. Your family lawyer will send invoices, and JustFund will cover them.
Repayment
Repayment is not required until your family matter has been resolved. You repay only the credit you used as a lump sum.
Eligibility Criteria
Family Law Matters
JustFund’s services cover matters related to property settlements. They cannot cover cases involving only parenting arrangements. However, if you are organising parenting and property matters simultaneously, JustFund may assist.
Asset Requirements
JustFund requires clients to have sufficient equity in their asset pool. Eligible assets include:
- Real estate
- Funds in a solicitor or conveyancer’s trust account pending an agreement
- Independently valued businesses
Solicitor Requirements
JustFund only works with accredited family law specialists.
Other Factors
JustFund assesses each case individually, considering:
- How much credit is needed relative to the expected settlement amount
- How the client will repay the credit
- Any issues that may limit the client’s ability to make repayments
You can take a quick two-minute survey to determine whether you meet these requirements.
Financial Hardship and Legal Access
Financial hardship is a common barrier to accessing legal assistance in family law matters. When clients cannot afford competent legal representation, they may navigate the legal system alone, which can result in sub-optimal outcomes.
In property settlements, parties without adequate legal support can be coerced into unfair divisions and lose their proper entitlements. This has long-term implications for financially disadvantaged parties, including those who sacrificed careers during marriage.
Exploring Your Options
If you wish to explore funding options for your family law matter, contact our office. For more information about JustFund, visit justfund.com.au.
For assistance with family law matters, contact us for a free discovery call.
Shanahan Family Law is a member of the JustFund PartnerPlus Program. This is a commercial relationship where Shanahan Family Law may receive marketing and referral benefits. We are proud to partner with JustFund to provide our clients with access to innovative funding solutions, but it is important that you are aware of this relationship.
This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. You are free to choose any funding provider, and our recommendation of JustFund is not influenced by any benefits we receive. We encourage you to conduct your own due diligence and seek independent legal and financial advice before making any decisions. Your personal information will not be shared with JustFund without your express written consent.
Our Commitment to You
Our partnership with JustFund is based on their client-first approach, which aligns with our commitment to justice and positive client outcomes. While we may receive marketing and referral benefits from this partnership, our primary goal is to provide you with options and access to the resources you need to navigate your family law matter effectively.
You are under no obligation to use JustFund. You are free to explore and choose any funding provider that best suits your needs. Our role is to inform you of the available options and support your decision.
If you would like to explore funding options, including JustFund, please do not hesitate to contact our office for a confidential discussion. For more information, visit justfund.com.au.
Disclaimer
The above information is general advice only and is not a substitute for personalised advice. Because it does not consider your individual circumstances, it is not intended to be relied upon, and any loss or damage arising from any such reliance is disclaimed. Any financial or legal decisions should only occur after you have received tailored advice from a legal or financial professional.
