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Register nowThere are times when it’s important to get legal help if you can – like when you’re separating or in danger of losing your home, or if you or your child are at risk.
This might feel like a big step, but a qualified and insured legal expert can help make sure you’re not taken advantage of. They can help you use the legal system to make sure you get the best arrangements for you and your children.
We’re not trained to give legal advice, but we can point you towards organisations that can help you with your specific situation. This includes places where you can get free or low-cost advice to help you understand how things work and make good decisions.
A solicitor can give you legal advice and help you understand your rights. They can help you find a solution to your problem and, if necessary, can represent you in court. It’s important to find a solicitor who’s experienced in the type of law you need help with. For example, if you’re separating from your partner, you may need a family law solicitor.
What to expect when using a solicitor is a very useful guide by the Law Society. This explains how to choose a solicitor, what questions to ask and how to prepare for your first meeting.
If your employer has an employee assistance programme, you might be able to get free legal advice through this. Likewise, if you’re in a trade union, they may be able to give you legal advice. These services sometimes offer help with legal fees or legal helpline. It’s also a good idea to check your insurance policies (like car or household insurance) in case they include free legal advice.
Legal fees can add up very quickly. But there are ways you might be able to keep costs as low as possible, or get free legal support.
If your case is serious and you can’t afford a solicitor, you may be able to get legal aid to help pay for legal advice. You can only get this in certain circumstances – for example, if you or your children are at risk of abuse or homelessness, or if you need family mediation. You can check if you can get legal aid on gov.uk. If you qualify, you’ll also need to find a solicitor who accepts legal aid.
If you’re not eligible for legal aid, you might be able to get free legal support from:
Some solicitors will agree to give you a free 30-minute appointment. Or you might be able to get a fixed-fee appointment, where you agree the cost in advance. This can be a good way to find out whether you have a case worth defending or taking to court.
You might be able to find a solicitor who offers a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement – also called a conditional fee arrangement. If you win, their fees come out of your compensation. If you lose, you won’t pay their fee but may have some expenses to cover. Always ask your solicitor to explain exactly what you might have to pay.
Your nearest Citizens Advice might have a list of solicitors offering no win, no fee or free or fixed-fee advice.
As it’s becoming harder to get help with legal costs, more and more people are completing their own court forms or even going to court without the help of a solicitor. This will no doubt feel daunting if you find yourself in this position, but there are organisations that can help you.
If you’re representing yourself, you can bring along someone to support you in court. This is known as a McKenzie friend. They could be an actual friend, or someone who has been through a similar situation. They could also a be volunteer from Support Through Court.
A McKenzie friend can even be a solicitor or barrister who is helping you. There are professional McKenzie friends, but make sure you find someone who comes recommended if you go down this road. Ideally, you want someone with legal training and indemnity insurance, in case things go wrong.
Rights of Women has more information on using a McKenzie friend.
Date last updated: 24 April 2024
