At Couldwell Legal, we often meet clients who find themselves in heartbreaking and complex situations, particularly where an older parent or loved one may be experiencing neglect, exploitation, or other forms of abuse. These matters are deeply personal and emotionally charged.
In many of these cases, clients are capable of representing themselves in the State Administrative Tribunal but need some expert guidance to ensure they’re properly prepared. That’s where our “shadowing” service comes in.
It’s designed for people who can manage the process themselves but want a lawyer beside them in the background — someone to help them understand the process, review their materials, and make sure they’re ready to present their case confidently and clearly.
Compassionate Support, Cost-Effective Guidance
Legal representation in the State Administrative Tribunal can quickly become expensive, particularly because legal costs are rarely recoverable in that jurisdiction. For many families acting out of genuine concern for a loved one, spending large sums on legal fees simply isn’t practical or necessary.
Our shadowing model provides a compassionate, cost-effective alternative. We help clients minimise costs while still giving them the reassurance that they’re on the right track.
Rather than acting on the record or attending the hearing on your behalf, we support you behind the scenes to:
- Discuss your concerns and explain what happens at a State Administrative Tribunal hearing.
- Identify whether an urgent interim application is appropriate and how to flag it with the Tribunal.
- Share tips, templates, and structure to help you draft your materials effectively, such as a clear chronology highlighting key facts and identifying the type of abuse (for example, financial, physical, or neglect).
- Review your documents before they’re submitted to ensure they’re clear, relevant, and focused.
What Shadowing Looks Like in Practice
Recently, we assisted adult children who were deeply concerned about their mother’s wellbeing. They suspected she was suffering from elder abuse and wanted to seek protective orders through the State Administrative Tribunal but didn’t know where to start.
We met with them prior to the application being lodged so we could consider the relevant legislation and the factors that the State Administrative Tribunal would take into account. We obtained detailed instructions to ensure that a tailored application could be prepared and submitted to the Tribunal.
We also helped them prepare an agenda of key points to raise at the hearing and developed a brief outline of submissions with clear headings and key phrases to be used as a guide during the hearing. This served as a memory jogger to help them know what to say when particular issues arose.
Before the hearing, we spent around 90 minutes together to refine their arguments, answer questions, and help them feel calm and confident. We also prepared a draft list of proposed orders for them to consider.
Throughout, they remained in control, speaking for themselves before the Tribunal, but they knew we were there, quietly supporting them in the background.
When Full Representation May Be More Suitable
While shadowing is ideal for clients who can articulate themselves clearly and feel comfortable presenting at a hearing, it’s not the right fit for everyone.
Some matters call for full legal representation, which includes:
- Preparing and filing all State Administrative Tribunal documents.
- Liaising with third parties such as the Office of the Public Advocate, the Public Trustee, care facilities, and medical practitioners.
- Reviewing evidence, drafting submissions, and preparing proposed orders.
- Representing you at the hearing and making submissions on your behalf.
These hearings can run from one to two and a half hours, and thorough preparation makes all the difference.
Why Clients Choose Shadowing
Shadowing empowers clients to act in the best interests of their loved one while managing costs in a jurisdiction where those costs cannot usually be recovered. It’s a supportive, practical, and compassionate way to navigate an often stressful process.
You stay in control of your matter, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Couldwell Legal, we’re committed to making legal services accessible, clear, and compassionate, helping clients approach even the most difficult situations with confidence and care.
If you’re preparing for a State Administrative Tribunal hearing and want to explore whether our shadowing service might be right for you, we offer a 15-minute obligation-free phone chat to discuss your options.
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