You Can't Afford a Solicitor.
But You Can't Afford to Get This Wrong.
Get personalised legal guidance from counsellors who've been through family law themselves—for a fraction of what lawyers charge. Because you deserve someone who actually cares about your outcome, not just billable hours.
Talk to SomeoneNo credit card required. Talk to someone who's been there.
AS MENTIONED IN
The Family Law System Wasn't Built for People Like You
Lawyers Want $50,000+ You Don't Have
Traditional lawyers charge $200-500 per hour. A contested divorce can cost $50,000-$100,000+. You're not made of money—and watching the meter run makes you feel like a cash machine, not a person.
They've Never Walked in Your Shoes
Your lawyer has never been through a custody battle. They've never felt the terror of potentially losing their kids. They give legal advice, but they don't understand the sleepless nights, the anxiety, the overwhelming fear.
Billable Hours Mean They Profit from Your Pain
The longer your case drags on, the more they make. Every email, every phone call, every "quick question"—it's all billable. Are they really working in your best interest, or theirs?
"58.1% of people report difficulty in accessing the Family Law Court."— Unified Lawyers Research (2021)
"Separated men are nearly 5 times more likely to die by suicide than married men. Intimate partner problems are a factor in the suicides of one in three Australian men aged 25-44."— Wilson, Macdonald & Seidler, The Conversation (2025)
Our Mission: Make Legal Guidance Accessible, Affordable, and Human
Legal Desk exists because the current system is broken. Solicitors are too expensive. Legal Aid has strict eligibility. AI services lack empathy. We're building something different: human guidance from people who've been there, at a price you can afford.
Real People, Real Experience
Our Legal Guidance Counsellors aren't lawyers who've never been clients—they're parents who've navigated family court themselves. They know your fear because they've felt it.
Empathy + Expertise
We're not watching the clock or thinking about billable hours. We genuinely care about your outcome because we remember what it felt like. You get legal guidance PLUS emotional support.
Fixed Fees, Aligned Incentives
No billable hours. No surprise invoices. We charge fixed fees ($149-$499) so we're on YOUR side, not thinking about how to squeeze more hours out of your case.
Free 15-minute consultation. No credit card required.
How We Work: Full Transparency
We believe you deserve to know exactly how we provide guidance. Here's our complete process:
🤝 Human Counsellors First
Every client works with a dedicated Legal Guidance Counsellor who has lived experience in the family law system. You always speak with a real person who's been where you are.
👥 Collaborative Workshopping
Your case is reviewed and discussed by multiple counsellors with relevant experience. We believe collaboration leads to better outcomes than one person working alone.
🔍 Smart Research Tools
We use AI-powered legal research tools to quickly find relevant legislation, case law, and precedents. This makes us more efficient than traditional manual research methods.
✅ Human Verification
All AI-generated research is verified by our counsellors to ensure accuracy. We check sources, cross-reference precedents, and validate legal principles. No hallucinations, no errors.
🔄 Iterative Guidance
We work with you through multiple sessions, refining your documents and strategy as your case progresses. You're not alone—we're with you every step.
🚫 No Referrals
We don't refer you away or hand you off to solicitors. We guide you as far as we can through the process. If you choose to hire a solicitor, we'll teach you how to manage them.
This is the same process solicitors use
Solicitors research case law, collaborate with colleagues, and use legal databases. The difference is:
- ✅ We're transparent about using AI tools (solicitors often don't disclose their research methods)
- ✅ We have lived experience (we've been family law clients ourselves)
- ✅ We charge fixed fees (no billable hours)
- ✅ We're not solicitors and don't provide legal advice—we provide legal information and guidance
We're independent and impartial. No referral fees, no partnerships, no conflicts of interest. We're on your side.
Available 24/7. Fixed fees from $149.
How Legal Desk Works: Simple, Affordable, Human
Free Initial Consultation
💙 Empathy First, Safety First
Speak with a Legal Guidance Counsellor who's been through the family law system. We check you're safe and okay, listen to your situation, and provide emotional support. No sales pitch—just human connection.
Submit Your Brief
📋 Tell Us Your Story (Simple Form)
Fill out a simple brief with your situation, upload any documents, and tell us what you need help with. Low friction, no legal jargon. This helps us understand exactly how to support you.
We Analyse & Recommend
🔍 Behind the Scenes: Collaboration + Smart Tools
Your counsellor works with our team and uses smart research tools to analyse your case. We find relevant legal principles, precedents, and options. Then we recommend the right package for your situation ($149-$499).
Iterative Guidance & Support
🤝 Human Support Every Time
You choose your package and we deliver personalised guidance. Your counsellor provides step-by-step support, document help, and emotional guidance throughout. You ask questions, we iterate together until you have what you need. You always experience human support—our smart tools work behind the scenes.
Affordable Packages That Actually Help (Not Bankrupt You)
Guidance Package
Less than a single solicitor consultation
Best For: Simple matters, need clear direction
Get Guidance Package - $149Support Package
What a solicitor charges just to open your file
- Everything in Guidance Package, PLUS:
- ✓ Comprehensive action plan
- ✓ Help gathering evidence and documents
- ✓ Document templates and drafting support
- ✓ 3 follow-up sessions (30 min each)
- ✓ Email support for 30 days
Best For: Most family law matters, ongoing support needed
Get Support Package - $299Most parents choose this package
Complete Package
1/10th the cost of a solicitor for the full case
- Everything in Support Package, PLUS:
- ✓ Full case management and strategy
- ✓ Iterative document drafting (affidavits, forms)
- ✓ Court preparation and presentation guidance
- ✓ 6 follow-up sessions (30 min each)
- ✓ Unlimited email support for 90 days
- ✓ Ongoing emotional support throughout
Best For: Complex cases (BFA disputes, contested custody)
Get Complete Package - $499Value Comparison:
Solicitor Consultation
$300-400
Just to talk
Solicitor Full Case
$5K-15K
Billable hours add up
Legal Desk Complete
$499
Full guidance + support
You save 90-95% compared to solicitors
How Legal Desk Makes Affordable Legal Guidance Possible
We've built a different model that puts your success first, with fixed fees and aligned incentives.
Fixed Fees
No billable hours, no surprise invoices. One price covers everything: guidance, support, and unlimited questions.
Aligned Incentives
Your success is our success. We're incentivised to help you resolve your matter efficiently, not drag it out.
Lived Experience
Our counsellors have been through the family law system themselves. We understand your pain because we've felt it.
Low Overheads
No expensive CBD offices or large support teams. Counsellors work flexibly, and we pass the savings to you.
Smart Tools
We use AI research tools for efficiency, but every answer is verified by a human counsellor for accuracy.
Collaboration
Your case is workshopped by our team of counsellors, bringing multiple perspectives and experiences to your situation.
The Result: Affordable, Human-Centred Legal Guidance
By combining lived experience, collaborative case review, smart technology, and low overheads, we can offer comprehensive legal guidance for $149-$499—a fraction of traditional legal costs—while maintaining quality and providing genuine human support.
Why Legal Desk Is Different (And Why That Matters)
| Feature | Legal Desk | Traditional Lawyers | AI Legal Services | Legal Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ✅ $149-$499 | ❌ $50,000-$100,000+ | ✅ Free-ish | ✅ Free |
| Lived Experience | ✅ Counsellors who've been there | ❌ Never been a client | ❌ No human at all | ❌ Professional distance |
| Empathy & Counseling | ✅ We genuinely care | ❌ Transactional | ❌ AI can't empathize | ⚠️ Limited capacity |
| Billable Hours | ✅ Fixed fees (no meter running) | ❌ Every minute costs you | ✅ No billable hours | ✅ Free |
| Availability | ✅ Immediate access | ⚠️ Expensive consultations | ✅ 24/7 | ❌ Waitlists, eligibility |
| Accuracy | ✅ Human-verified for AU law | ✅ Professional expertise | ❌ AI errors (84+ cases) | ✅ Expert advice |
| Emotional Support | ✅ We understand your pain | ❌ "Not my job" | ❌ Chatbot responses | ⚠️ Limited |
| Aligned Incentives | ✅ Your success = our success | ❌ Profit from dragging it out | ⚠️ Upsell to lawyers | ✅ Mission-driven |
The Research: Why Parents Need Affordable Legal Guidance
The Cost Crisis
Contested divorce costs: $50,000 - $100,000+
"A contested divorce or litigation can cost between $50,000 and $100,000 or more. Complex family court trials can cost $36,000+."
— Preston Law (2025), CustodyXChange (2025)Access to Justice Barrier
58.1% report difficulty accessing Family Law Court
"The high costs associated with legal representation create a significant barrier to justice and add immense stress to an already difficult situation."
— Unified Lawyers Research (2021)The Mental Health Crisis
Separated men: 4.8x higher suicide risk
"Separated men were nearly five times more likely to die by suicide than married men. For men under 35, the risk is 9 times higher."
— Wilson, Macdonald & Seidler, The Conversation (2025)Custody Outcomes: Only 11% of fathers receive sole or primary custody
— O'Sullivan Legal (2025)Gender Stereotypes: "Fathers judged on financial capacity, mothers on caregiving"
— UNSW AI Study (2025)Property Division: Average wife's share is 55%, often reflecting future child welfare needs
— AIFS Research (2001)Abuse Allegations: In 35% of contested cases with abuse alleged, shared custody was still the outcome
— ABC News (2024)Emotional Impact: "Men struggle with emotional dysregulation, social disconnection, and invalidating responses"
— The Conversation (2025)Legal Support Gap: Men's Legal Service charges 25-33% of for-profit rates, but demand outstrips supply
— Men's Legal ServiceThe Family Law Crisis in Australia (Research Data)
Sources: The Conversation (2025), Preston Law (2025), Unified Lawyers (2021), O'Sullivan Legal (2025), AIFS
How We Ensure Quality & Accuracy
We take accuracy seriously. Here's how we maintain high standards:
Peer Review
Every case is reviewed by multiple counsellors. We workshop complex cases together to ensure we're providing the best guidance.
Source Verification
All legal research is verified against official sources: Family Law Act, AustLII case law, Federal Circuit and Family Court resources.
Client Satisfaction
Every client rates their experience. We maintain a 4.5+ star average through continuous feedback and improvement.
Ongoing Training
Counsellors participate in weekly training, case workshops, and professional development to stay current with family law changes.
Our Counsellors Are:
✅ Rigorously screened (police checks, Working with Vulnerable People checks)
✅ Extensively trained (2-week onboarding + ongoing professional development)
✅ Continuously reviewed (peer review, client feedback, quality audits)
✅ Genuinely committed (they've been through the system and want to help others)
Meet Your Legal Guidance Counsellors: We've Been Where You Are
Sarah Mitchell
Legal Guidance Counsellor | Sydney
Sarah's Story:
"Five years ago, I was a single mum fighting for custody of my two kids. I couldn't afford a lawyer and had to represent myself in family court. It was the scariest thing I've ever done—but I learned how to navigate the system, and I won. Now I help other parents do the same. I know your fear because I've felt it. I know the system because I've been through it. And I genuinely care about your outcome because I remember what it felt like to be in your shoes."
Sarah specialises in:
- ✓ Custody battles
- ✓ Self-representation preparation
- ✓ Court document preparation
- ✓ Emotional support during crisis
Tom Chen
Legal Guidance Counsellor | Melbourne
Tom's Story:
"When my marriage ended, I was quoted $50,000 by a lawyer who spent 30 minutes with me and made me feel like a case number. I couldn't afford it, so I figured it out myself—made mistakes, learned hard lessons, but eventually got 50/50 custody. I became a Legal Guidance Counsellor because I never want another parent to feel as alone and overwhelmed as I did. I'm here to walk beside you, not bill you into bankruptcy."
Tom specialises in:
- ✓ Property settlements
- ✓ Mediation preparation
- ✓ Cost-effective strategies
- ✓ Equal parenting arrangements
Emma Rodriguez
Legal Guidance Counsellor | Brisbane
Emma's Story:
"I survived domestic violence and had to navigate family court while protecting my children. The legal system felt impossible—lawyers were too expensive, and I was terrified of making mistakes. Through determination and support from community services, I learned to advocate for myself and my kids. Now I help other parents, especially those facing DV situations, navigate the system with strength and clarity."
Emma specialises in:
- ✓ Domestic violence situations
- ✓ Safety planning and court orders
- ✓ High-conflict separations
- ✓ Trauma-informed support
David Roberts
Legal Guidance Counsellor | Perth
David's Story:
"I was falsely accused of domestic violence during my divorce. It was devastating—and the lawyer I hired didn't believe me, didn't fight for me, just wanted to 'settle quickly' (and bill me $20,000 in the process). I fired him and represented myself. It was brutal, but I cleared my name and got shared custody. Now I help fathers facing similar situations—because I know how it feels to be presumed guilty and need someone who actually believes in you."
David specialises in:
- ✓ Responding to DV allegations
- ✓ High-conflict separations
- ✓ Court trial preparation
- ✓ Mental health support during legal crisis
Want to talk to one of our counsellors?
Talk to Someone Who's Been Through ItYou Probably Have Questions. We Have Answers.
How is this different from just using ChatGPT or AI legal services?
+Great question. AI legal services (like ChatGPT or LawConnect) have two major problems:
- Accuracy: There have been 84+ documented cases of AI giving false legal advice in Australian courts. AI "hallucinates" fake case citations and gives advice for the wrong jurisdiction (US law instead of Australian law).
- No empathy: AI can't understand your fear, your stress, your pain. It's a chatbot, not a counsellor who's been through what you're going through.
Legal Desk uses smart research tools behind the scenes, but you always work with a human counsellor who verifies everything for Australian law accuracy AND provides emotional support. Your counsellor collaborates with our team to workshop your case. You get the best of both worlds—smart technology + human empathy + lived experience.
Why not just hire a lawyer?
+If you can afford a $15,000-$30,000 retainer and $200-500/hour fees, a lawyer might be right for you. But most parents can't—and even if you can, consider this:
Lawyers have perverse incentives: Billable hours mean they profit when your case drags on. Every email, every phone call, every "quick question" is billable. Are they really working in your best interest?
Legal Desk has fixed fees: We charge $149-$499 total. No billable hours. No meter running. We're incentivised to help you succeed efficiently, not drag things out.
Plus, we've been there: Our counsellors have personally navigated family court. Your lawyer hasn't. We understand your pain in a way they never will.
What if I don't qualify for Legal Aid? Can you help?
+Yes—that's exactly who we're here for. Legal Aid has strict income and asset tests. If you earn $50,000-$100,000, you probably don't qualify—but you still can't afford a $50,000 lawyer.
Legal Desk fills that gap. No income tests. No eligibility requirements. Just affordable, accessible legal guidance for everyday Australians who need help.
Can you guarantee I'll win my case?
+Honest answer: No one can guarantee outcomes in family court—not us, not lawyers, not anyone. Every case is unique, and judges have discretion.
What we CAN guarantee:
- ✓ You'll understand the process and your options
- ✓ You'll have a personalised guidance plan
- ✓ You'll avoid costly mistakes
- ✓ You'll have someone who genuinely cares supporting you
- ✓ You'll save 99%+ vs. hiring a lawyer
We'll give you the best possible chance with personalised guidance, emotional support, and step-by-step help through the process.
What if my case is really complex? Can you still help?
+It depends. Our Legal Guidance Counsellors can help with most family law matters:
- ✓ Custody and parenting arrangements
- ✓ Property settlements
- ✓ Responding to DV allegations
- ✓ Mediation preparation
- ✓ Self-representation in court
For complex cases (like setting aside binding financial agreements, high-value property disputes, contested custody), we guide you through the process step-by-step. Our Complete Package ($499) includes full case management, document drafting, court preparation, and ongoing support.
We don't refer you away. We guide you as far as we can through the process. If you decide you want a solicitor to represent you in court, we'll teach you how to find one, get quotes, instruct them properly, and manage them so they work for YOU (not rip you off).
We're independent and on your side. No referral fees, no partnerships, no conflicts of interest.
Is this confidential? I don't want my ex to know I'm getting help.
+100% confidential. Everything you share with us is private. We don't share your information with anyone without your explicit permission.
Your ex will never know you're working with us unless you choose to tell them.
What if my ex also uses Legal Desk? Is that a conflict of interest?
+Great question—and here's where we're different from solicitors.
Solicitors can't help both parties because they act as legal representatives with a fiduciary duty to one client. That's why you each need your own solicitor (costing $50K-$100K combined).
Legal Desk can guide both parties because we're not solicitors and we're not acting as your legal representative. We provide legal guidance and information—similar to how both parties might read the same book or attend the same legal information session.
How it works:
- ✓ You each get assigned separate counsellors
- ✓ Your information is kept confidential
- ✓ Each party receives independent guidance
- ✓ We don't act as advocates for either side
The benefit? Both parties save money and get support. Many separations don't need to be expensive battles. If both of you are using Legal Desk, you're both getting guidance toward fair, reasonable outcomes—which often leads to faster, less stressful resolution.
Want to work together? We also offer a Collaborative Guidance service where both parties consent to work together toward agreement (even more affordable at $699 for both parties). Think of it as affordable mediation.
Note: By using Legal Desk, you acknowledge that we may provide guidance to multiple parties in the same matter. This is disclosed in our client agreement.
What if I'm not good with technology? Can I still use your service?
+Absolutely. Our service is designed to be simple:
- Video calls (like FaceTime or Zoom—we'll help you set it up)
- Email and phone support (no tech required)
- We can mail you documents if you prefer paper
If you can make a phone call, you can work with us. We'll meet you where you are.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
⏰ Every Day You Wait, Your Case Gets Harder
- Court deadlines don't wait for you to figure things out
- Mistakes made early can cost you custody later
- The longer you're overwhelmed, the worse your mental health gets
Right now, you have options. Tomorrow, you might not.
📞 Ready to Talk?
Our Legal Guidance Counsellors are here to help. We take on clients based on fit and capacity to provide quality support.
The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can start moving forward with clarity and confidence.
Talk to SomeoneOur Commitment: Honest, Affordable, Human
💯 Our Commitment to You
We're building Legal Desk to fill a gap in the market: affordable legal guidance from people with lived experience, not lawyers watching billable hours.
We're committed to providing honest, empathetic support. If our service isn't right for you, we'll tell you upfront in the free consultation—before you pay anything.
We're here to help, not to sell you something you don't need.
You've Read This Far. You Know You Need Help. Take the First Step.
You're not alone in this.
Right now, you might feel:
- Overwhelmed by the legal process
- Terrified of losing your kids
- Angry at the unfairness of it all
- Hopeless because you can't afford a lawyer
We've felt all of that too. And we made it through. You can too—with the right guidance.
What happens next:
- Choose a time that works for you
- Talk to a Legal Guidance Counsellor who's been there
- Get honest advice about your situation (no sales pitch)
- Decide if Legal Desk is right for you
Not ready to talk yet? That's okay.
Download our free guide: "The Parent's Guide to Navigating Family Court Without a Lawyer"
Download Free Guide