Parker Coles Curtis, Media Release, 21 September 2021
A new digital service offering a lifeline to those struggling to access legal support has been launched by Canberra family law firm Parker Coles Curtis.
Loungeroom Lawyer, the first initiative of its kind in Australia, gives people who need after-hours legal advice the opportunity to speak directly with a family lawyer via video conference or phone, at a fixed price.
Parker Coles Curtis Director Jacquelyn Curtis said the new digital service filled a critical gap, particularly at a time when COVID-19 had seen incidents of family breakdowns escalate.
“Think of Loungeroom Lawyer as the family law version of Telehealth – a lawyer comes to you online and treats or triages your family law issue,” she said.
Ms Curtis said reports by the Australian Institute of Criminology1 and the Queensland University of Technology Centre for Justice2 revealed that COVID-19 has been responsible for a “shadow pandemic” of family violence over the past 18 months.
Financial pressures due to job losses, cohabitation without respite, social isolation and increased alcohol consumption have created a perfect storm for domestic conflict.
“This aligns with what we’re seeing among our clients. The increased pressure of being together is straining relationships that are already stretched,” Ms Curtis said.
Ms Curtis said those going through a family breakdown were often caught in a catch-22 situation, unable to find the time, money or resources to seek face-to-face legal advice.
“Many find it daunting to take that first step of walking into a lawyer’s office. They may already be at their lowest ebb and feel anxious, they might be a single parent with kids to look after and no childcare available, or they could be concerned about how much it will all cost,” she said.
“We’ve found virtual communication has been a really good option for women, in particular, who just can’t face going through a traditional legal process. They can talk to a lawyer after the kids have gone to bed, in the comfort of their own home, without any pressure. So far more than 80% of those who have used Loungeroom Lawyer services have been women.”
Ms Curtis said the pandemic had led to significant changes in the way matters were being dealt with by the courts, with many handling cases via video or teleconference. There had also been an easing of witnessing requirements due to remote working arrangements, including the use of electronic signature technology on documents.
“We realised that digital technology would be a very effective way to give people a clear understanding of what their legal options are at the very start of the journey too,” she said.
“Loungeroom Lawyer helps people make a decision on what the best course of action is for them.
They might be thinking about separating, or they might want counselling to stay together. It’s our duty to be aware of the different circumstances people find themselves in and to talk them through all the options available to them.”
Loungeroom Lawyer services are offered at a fixed fee of $299 including GST for up to 45 minutes of advice from an experienced lawyer, as opposed to traditional face-to-face consultations which can cost up to $1200 inclusive a time, said Ms Curtis. Sessions, available seven nights a week depending on demand, need to be pre-booked, and can be arranged within 24 hours of contacting the firm.
“We’ve seen very strong interest in Loungeroom Lawyer from people who’ve been under increased pressure because of COVID,” says Ms Curtis.
“The service is available to anybody who needs legal support but feels unable to access it in the traditional manner, regardless of the type of issue they have. It’s an inexpensive, non-threatening way to get some peace of mind quickly and easily.”
Find out more here.
