legal advice.
We have a number of ways for you to get free initial legal advice on your situation. Read on to find which best suits you.
At CLC we give advice on a variety of issues every day. We often advise on tenancy issues, family violence, criminal charges, consumer and civil disputes. If you’re unsure if you have a legal issue please get in contact with us, if we can’t help we will direct you to those who can.
Make sure you check out our do’s and don’ts before you come in.
Central City appointments
Appointments are in our office located at 198 Montreal Street. You will be seen by one of our interns or law clerks. These typically book up 4-5 days in advance. Contact us to book an appointment.
Day Appointments: (IN PERSON and PHONE)
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm
Friday: 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am (only for family issues)
After-Hours Appointments (IN PERSON only)
During these appointments, you will be seen by a caseworker. These caseworkers are volunteers who will gather information about your issue. The lawyer will provide advice to them, which they will then relay to you. Our ability to offer these free services relies on the support of our dedicated volunteer caseworkers.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 5:30pm, 6:15pm, 7pm.
Saturday: 9:30am, 10:15am, 11:00am.
Family Law Advice and Information Service
We operate a drop in service that provides family law information and advice at the Christchurch Justice Precinct. We are available each week on Level 3 of the court building at the following times:
Mondays from 10:00am until 12:00pm
Wednesdays from 3:00pm until 6:30pm
Thursdays from 10:00am until 12:00pm
We can provide advice on the following areas of family law:
Family Violence (Protection Orders)
Care of Children (Parenting Orders)
Guardianship
Welfare Guardianship (Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988)
We are unable to provide advice on relationship property or wills, trusts, and estates but we can provide you with basic information and referrals to lawyers who do practice in those areas.
Outreach Services.
If you can’t come into the central city or you don’t live in Christchurch, see our Outreach Services for the one closest to you.
Specialist Services.
We have some services where you can get advice from a lawyer who is experienced in particular areas of law. Including family, employment, ACC, voluntary sector & youth.
Voluntary Sector Service.
The Voluntary Sector Service supports local charities and not-for-profits with their legal needs. Thanks to the support of The Rātā Foundation and donations from clients, the service is able to provide information, education, advice and/or assistance on legal issues relevant to community groups.
As with all our services, there is some criteria for advice and assistance, but general enquiries from local groups are welcome and can be sent to admin@canlaw.org.nz
Youth/School Board of Trustee Meetings.
We have a team of trained volunteers who can attend Board of Trustee suspension meetings who can go as support to ensure the student has a voice. If you or a child you know has a meeting with the Board of Trustees please call our office as soon as you can.
Te Rōpū Ture Māori.
If you would feel more comfortable speaking with a Māori lawyer, we have a dedicated Kaupapa Māori legal team made up of a lawyer, and a whānau ora navigator.