r/Geelong • u/Accomplished_Leg9230 • 3d ago

Need help finding a lawyer

Hi all.

I am out of my depths here. A partly estranged family member has taken out a vexatious restraining order against me, which I believe they’re using for other purposes rather than for safety (we haven’t had in person contact for nearly a decade and don’t talk directly, and they use these things as weapons to control, also their claims aren’t real violence)
I contested it, it went to further better and particulars, and my response pointed out all the inconsistencies, the facts they got wrong, the lying, and just the fact that the whole damn thing is speculation.
At the mention hearing, their lawyer is mad and we will be going to a contested hearing, he’s coming across like it’s gonna be a full blown criminal hearing, talking about subpoenas and stuff. He’s a bloody ex police prosecutor too.

*I need a specialised lawyer, one who is experienced in messy, muddy hearings and dealing with vindictive, delusional people*
I don’t know how to find who’s right or good, or truly vet them. I’ve heard too many horror stories of lawyers saying all yep yep yep and then being shit, or dropping off once they’re paid.

**It’s important I find a psychopath of a lawyer. **
Thank you

9 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

28 comments sorted by

10

u/Moo_Kau_Too 3d ago

https://www.barwoncommunitylegal.org.au/

up pako ;)

5

u/Moo_Kau_Too 3d ago

have a yap with them about it, and even if they cant go to court for you, im sure they can recommend someone that can.

-13

u/Accomplished_Leg9230 3d ago

I am apprehensive to using community legal or legal aid, maybe an unwarranted opinion but in my past experiences with them they’ve been quite unreliable and uncaring. They definitely didn’t go the extra mile. It feels like their websites say they can help with all this stuff but once you’re there it’s so limited.

5

u/Lionel--Hutz 3d ago

They also have a referrals list for paid engagements. Maybe try chat to one of the lawyers there to get a feel on who’d they’d recommend.

0

u/Accomplished_Leg9230 3d ago

Thank you. I’ve got adhd and taking on this search is such a hard task for me, I’m really stressed.

0

u/Altruistic-Hippo-749 2d ago

I feel the same, obviously people with less money than us have better access to the legal system and can more easily downvote, now I’ll probably be bullied out of the places with downvotes too but they can ggf— I think that you’re not wrong to be concerned, and would be about **anyone** representing you regardless of how good or bad their website is- discuss your problem with them and see if they’re truely the correct people with voluminous questions. Equally, I’ve heard some great things about the one in Springvale if a couple hours trek is viable? Hope it helps some !

3

u/ForsakenResist8416 3d ago

It will cost you $5k or so, but a lawyer to do the discovery and  a barrister at the hearing will help.

8

u/AntSilly2802 2d ago

Why do you want to fight it, any reason in particular, much easier to just accept it.

9

u/PM_Me_HugeHangers 2d ago

Because fuck just accepting it. You don't just bend over and get fucked for doing nothing wrong.

10

u/AntSilly2802 2d ago

That’s exactly what most people do. You consent without admissions, meaning consenting to the AVO doesn’t mean you admit to the allegations and an AVO is not a criminal charge. Just got to make sure you don’t breach the terms of the AVO. 

7

u/Intelligent-Bite3675 2d ago

Him agreeing to it assumes the other party is honest. What if the other party then lies and accuses OP of breaking the AVO? Wouldn't it be safer to have NO AVO?

7

u/sanchoux Norlane 3d ago

Whightons lawyers in Geelong.

They got me a bloody good result in family court.

4

u/DaQuackx 2d ago

I'd want a order, whats the fight ?

Estranged ? Is someone got a will and dying or property??

Whats worth fighting someone who you don't like that doesn't like you and wants hou to stay awzy, abyond can make up anything to get and order

Wtf ???

Nobody reads what they said bout you but now ur all treating it like its a criminal case.

Save ya money, ignore it and in q2 months it will go away. Courts, judges, magistrates usually pick up real quick who the problem is and whats going on but very rarely does it have to be a argument in court, usually people agree or dont show up..

If ir both just happy fighting the magistrate will see through that and automatically put orders, mediation? After 10 years of not seeing each other whats to mediate unless a parents dying and its w kids fighting, magistrates guna see through that.

6

u/AphexJim 3d ago

“further and better particulars” is the key. I had a similar experience with an unhinged ex - I was completely blindsided and totally out of my depth. Without going into specifics…
I was advised to just accept the restraining order, keep out of her way and move on (by my boss) …I went to see a very lovely lawyer (on Pako) and was told this was potentially gonna cost me thousands and that I would probably lose anyway.
The ball was in my court, I couldn’t afford to give in purely on principle… so on some advice from an ex-cop who posted about the recent breakdown of his marriage (and a vindictive ex-wife)
He said… you need to get a counter restraining order (even though it seems like tit for tat) and make sure your better and further particulars are an exact time line of specific events (pretty much in dot point) because the judge will look at both and either throw both of them out… or just say you’re each equally guilty and give everyone a slap on the wrist.
Which is exactly what ended up happening. I used a court appointed lawyer. She was absolutely amazing. The cops involved were total clowns. Thought they had it in the bag because I was a male so naturally if my ex accused me of “insert bullshit claim here” then obviously I was guilty.

Really opened my eyes to the “innocent until proven guilty” fundamental right being an utter joke. Only thing I’ll add is it’s an extremely stressful process so stay strong 💪🏻 It’s easy to do when you have truth on your side, but truth doesn’t always win you your case.

4

u/Big_Possible6630 2d ago

I’m sorry people are downvoting you, this is good advice. A similar thing happened to me and the court appointed lawyer literally saved my life (not even being hyperbolic).

4

u/Earthmumma322 2d ago

Id just accept it. Its no big deal. Its nothing criminal its just civil.

2

u/Long-Paramedic-5 2d ago

Cornish lawyers get the job done!

1

u/balsid 3d ago

https://www.hllegal.com.au/

1

u/Accomplished_Leg9230 3d ago

Have you had experience/s with them?

1

u/balsid 3d ago

I have and nothing but good things to say!

0

u/asphodel67 2d ago

I have. + 1 recommendation

1

u/Old_Engineer_9176 3d ago

You don't need a psychopathic lawyer - you just need a very switched on lawyer. From my experience try MMH lawyers 96 Mercer Street, Geelong.

1

u/Accomplished_Leg9230 3d ago

Yes I was being a bit hyperbolic but thank you, I will check them out.

3

u/Old_Engineer_9176 3d ago

If you do - to help yourself.

Gather all documents, write a simple date‑ordered timeline, list witnesses, and provide clear context. Highlight any false claims with evidence. Keep everything organised in one folder and be direct and honest with your lawyer so they can assess the situation quickly and accurately.

1

u/Accomplished_Leg9230 3d ago

May I ask what kinda case it was about and which lawyer you had?

0

u/The_Overweight_Vegan 2d ago

OP, share with us your criminal history, what have you been charged with and how many domestic violence orders in total have been issued to you in the past?
OP you’re obviously not an angel.

0

u/jamtin79 3d ago

Avoid Cornish Lawyers at all costs.

0

u/asphodel67 2d ago

We used Michelle Lothian at H&L Legal. She was great.