By phone or email
To speak to an adviser, please call our free and confidential advice line 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3pm, excluding Bank Holidays). Or you can ask us a question via email using our advice enquiry form.
Are you a parent, kinship carer relative or friend of a child who is involved with, or who needs the help of, children’s services in England? We can help you understand processes and options when social workers or courts are making decisions about your child’s welfare.
Our advice service is free, independent and confidential.
To speak to an adviser, please call our free and confidential advice line 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3pm, excluding Bank Holidays). Or you can ask us a question via email using our advice enquiry form.
Our online advice forums are an anonymous space where parents and kinship carers (also known as family and friends carers) can get legal and practical advice, build a support network and learn from other people’s experiences.
Our get help and advice section has template letters, advice sheets and resources about legal and social care processes. On Monday and Wednesday afternoons, you can use our webchat service to chat online to an adviser.
Run by the Law Society, Find a Solicitor is a free service for anyone looking for information about organisations or people providing legal services in England and Wales that are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Website: https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk
The Solicitors Register is a service for checking a solicitor or firm that is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Partnered with Resolution to provide a panel of family law solicitors that can help with important points of their family case for a reduced, fixed fee. Offer appointments over the phone or via Facetime, Zoom, Skype, or Whatsapp.Their independent, not-for-profit website providing accurate, practical information on rights and the law in England and Wales.
Website: https://www.advicenow.org.uk/know-hows/getting-affordable-advice-family-solicitor-advicenow
Advocate is a charity that finds free legal assistance from volunteer barristers across England and Wales.
All-women team of family law specialists dedicated to providing low-cost legal advice to women dealing with various family law issues, including: arrangements or disputes about children, financial matters, domestic abuse. Provide advice, negotiation on your behalf, or representation at court.
Telephone: 01482 711003
Email: info@affordablejustice.co.uk
Website: https://www.affordablejustice.co.uk/
CAFCASS is a public body set up to look after the interests of children involved in family proceedings. Works with the children and families and then advises the courts on the child’s best interests. The website has information for adults, children and for young people.
Website: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk
Provides free over the phone legal advice information on debt, housing, employment, education and welfare benefits for people eligible for legal aid. Can put you in touch with local, legal advisers and solicitors; help with working out if you qualify for legal aid and give free advice if you qualify for legal aid.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice (which is the relevant page on https://www.gov.uk website). You can check if you are eligible for legal aid. If you are, you will find the helpline numbers. There is a free translation service and you can book a BSL interpreter.
Part of Coram Family group, the Children’s Legal Centre is concerned with law and policy affecting children and young people. Many years of experience in providing legal advice and representation for children, their carers’ and professionals.
Website: https://www.childrenslegalcentre.com
Trains and supports family mediators. Can also help you find your nearest mediator.
Telephone: 01355 244594
Email: info@thefma.co.uk
Website: https://thefma.co.uk
The voice of local law centres which provide free independent advice and representation to disadvantaged people who live or work in their catchment area.
The LCN does not employ lawyers and is unable to give advice directly to the public but the site will help you find a law centre nearest to you.
Website: https://www.lawcentres.org.uk
Website to search for legal clinics offering free legal advice to those not eligible for legal aid and can’t afford to pay a lawyer.
Website: https://www.lawworks.org.uk/legal-advice-individuals/find-legal-advice-clinic-near-you
Responsible for the Community Legal Service (CLS) and Criminal Defence Service legal advice schemes. See entry above for Community Legal Service.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/legal-aid-agency
Free Family Law advice and representation to mothers in prison to assist in re-establishing and regenerating contact and relationships between mother and child. NBR runs legal clinics at HMPs Send, Downview, East Sutton Park, Peterborough, Eastwood Park, Bronzefield and Styal.
Telephone: 020 7409 1133
Email: info@notbeyondredemption.co.uk
Website: https://www.notbeyondredemption.co.uk/
Citizens Advice Service covering Civil & Housing matters, Family Law (private law) including mediation and judge referred child contact (costs involved). Appointments by phone and zoom and in person. Legal services are for people who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford a lawyer.
Email: admin@rcjadvice.org.uk (general enquiry)
Website: https://www.rcjadvice.org.uk/
Organisation of solicitors committed to promoting a non-confrontational atmosphere in which family law matters are dealt with in a sensitive, constructive and cost-effective way. You can find a member in your area on their website.
Website: https://resolution.org.uk
Charity helping and providing support and information to people facing civil and family courts without a lawyer. Several offices across the UK. See webpage for locations and individual contact details. Appointment requests can be made via this link.
Website: https://www.supportthroughcourt.org/
Legal advice for individuals with access to legal aid and those who are not eligible.
They cover Private Family Law, Housing matters (Legal aid required), Welfare benefits appeal, specialist employment law advice. They run legal clinics in London (pre-booking required). The advice provided is online, by telephone, during drop-in sessions and through an appointments system. They have a self-referral form on website and also operate a number of outreach projects.
Telephone: 0203 606 0372
Email: admin@legaladvicecentre.london
Website: https://www.legaladvicecentre.london/
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