When your matter is listed in a Brisbane court and you can't be there, Bruce Dulley Family Lawyers will appear as your town agent — reliably and often at short notice. For more than 50 years we have practised in Brisbane, and for decades we have acted as Brisbane agents for regional Queensland and interstate firms — our family-law specialisation makes us a safer pair of hands than a general agency desk.
Unlike a general agency service that will stand up and read a note, we specialise in family law. When the matter is in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, you are instructing a firm that knows the jurisdiction inside out — 50+ years' practise, with 40+ years specialised in family law. For a regional or interstate family lawyer with a matter listed in Brisbane, that depth of understanding means your appearance is handled by someone who actually understands what is happening in your case.
What we cover: mentions, callovers, directions, interim hearings and instructing counsel; appearances in the FCFCOA, the Brisbane Magistrates Court and the Supreme and District Courts in Brisbane; filing, sealing and lodging documents at any Brisbane registry; subpoena inspections; and urgent, short-notice appearances when something lands at an awkward time.
Why firms instruct us comes down to the two things a referring firm cares about most — our experience and "can you cover me tomorrow?" We are family-law specialists. We are located at Level 4, 231 North Quay — within short walking distance of the Federal Circuit and Family Court and the Brisbane Supreme, District and Magistrates Court. And, critically, your client stays your client: we act solely as your agent, and we never contact or solicit your client.
That last point is the unspoken concern of every referring firm, so we name it plainly. We act solely as your Brisbane agent and will never contact or solicit your client. A regional or interstate family lawyer is not our competitor so there is no conflict and no risk to your client relationship. It is a pure agency arrangement, and it works both ways: when we have a client with ties to your region, we are glad to refer them to you.
To instruct us, call (07) 3236 1612 or complete the referrer enquiry form with the matter, court, date and time. We will confirm availability the same business day. The next time a Brisbane listing lands when you can't travel, the agent question is already solved. Every family law matter is different. The information on this page is general only and is not legal advice. To discuss your situation in confidence, request a confidential consultation with our Brisbane family law team.
Indicative fee schedule
All figures are indicative and quoted excluding GST. The fee for your specific appearance is confirmed before we proceed.
| Service | Fee (excl GST) |
|---|---|
| Mention / callover / directions hearing / interim hearing / instructing counsel | $380 per hour |
| Legal Aid | Legal aid rate |
| Filing / sealing / lodging documents at registry | $120 |
| Short-notice loading (instructions <48 hrs) | Nil |