There are times when seeking legal help is essential, such as during a separation, if you’re at risk of losing your home, or if you or your child’s safety is in danger.

Though it may feel like a big step, a qualified legal professional can ensure you’re not taken advantage of. They can guide you through the legal system to secure the best arrangements for you and your children.

While we’re not trained to offer legal advice, we can direct you to organisations that specialise in your situation. These include places where you can access free or low-cost advice, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions.

How to get legal support

Help with legal costs

Representing yourself

Useful links

Using a solicitor

A solicitor can provide legal advice and help you understand your rights. They can assist you in finding a solution to your issue and, if necessary, represent you in court. It’s important to choose a solicitor who specialises in the area of law you need help with. For example, if you’re separating from your partner, you might need a family law solicitor.

The Law Society’s “What to Expect When Using a Solicitor” guide is a great resource. It explains how to choose the right solicitor, what questions to ask, and how to prepare for your first meeting.

Employers, trade unions and insurance policies

If your employer offers an employee assistance program (EAP), you may be eligible for free legal advice through it. Similarly, if you’re a member of a trade union (TU), they might provide legal advice. These services sometimes also cover legal fees or offer a legal helpline. It’s also worth checking your insurance policies (like car or home insurance) to see if they include access to 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.  

Legal aid

If your situation is serious and you can’t afford a solicitor, you may be eligible for legal aid to cover the cost of legal advice. Legal aid is available in certain situations, such as if you or your children are at risk of abuse or homelessness, or if you require family mediation. You can check your eligibility for legal aid on gov.uk. If you qualify, you’ll also need to find a solicitor who accepts legal aid.

If you can’t get legal aid

If you’re not eligible for legal aid, you might be able to get free legal support from:

• LawWorks – free legal advice clinics where you can get basic advice on your next steps
• Advocate – free legal advice and representation from volunteer barristers
• Child Law Advice – free specialist legal advice and information on child, family and education law for parents, carers and young people in England
• Law Centres – a network of centres offering face-to-face legal advice, some also have a phone advice line

Getting cheaper or low-cost legal advice

Some solicitors offer a free 30-minute consultation, or you may be able to arrange a fixed-fee appointment where the cost is agreed upon in advance. This can be a good way to determine whether your case is worth pursuing or taking to court.

You may also find a solicitor who works on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, also known as a conditional fee arrangement. If you win, their fees are deducted from your compensation. If you lose, you won’t have to pay their fees, though you may still need to cover some expenses. Always ask your solicitor to clearly explain any potential costs.

Your local Citizens Advice office may have a list of solicitors who offer no win, no fee services or free or fixed-fee advice.

As it becomes increasingly difficult to get help with legal costs, more people are filling out their own court forms or even representing themselves in court without a solicitor. While this can feel intimidating, there are organisations that can provide support.

• Advicenow has guides to help you go to court without a solicitor – including a video guide. They also have solicitors who can help you through the most complicated bits of child arrangements or financial cases for a fixed or reduced fee
• Support Through Court has a free, court-based support service and a national helpline on 03000 810 006 (Monday to Friday 10.30-3.30). They can explain how court works and help you fill in forms and plan what you’re going to say in court
• The Ministry of Justice has short videos to guide separated parents representing themselves in mediation sessions and in the courts
• Rights of Women has a guide called Children and the law: the Family Court Process to help parents know what to expect
• The Child Law Advice service has lots of information about attending court. It takes you through the court process, including the different hearings you can expect in a family court and example court papers

Taking someone with you to court

If you’re representing yourself in court, you can bring someone along for support, known as a McKenzie friend. This could be a friend, someone who has gone through a similar experience, or even a volunteer from Support Through Court.

A McKenzie friend can also be a solicitor or barrister who is assisting you. There are professional McKenzie friends available, but it’s important to choose one who comes highly recommended. Ideally, you’ll want someone with legal training and indemnity insurance, in case any issues arise.

For more information on using a McKenzie friend, check out Rights of Women.

• Advicenow – practical information on your rights and the law
• Find an immigration adviser – service from gov.uk for people needing help to stay in the UK – you can also look for advisers who don’t charge
• Find a solicitor in your area – searchable database from the Law Society
• Free specialist family and children law advice – guides, information and advice for parents, carers and young people by Coram Children’s Legal Centre, the leading child law charity
• Applying for a child arrangements order without a lawyer – guide from Advicenow
• Disability Law Service – free legal advice and representation for disabled people and their families on things like employment, housing and benefits
• Family Rights Group – advice for parents whose children are involved with social care services or courts
• Resolution –  free information on things like splitting up, separate parenting and child maintenance – also has a list of family law solicitors
• Rights of Women – free, confidential legal advice on a range of issues including family law, separating and children/contact issues and domestic abuse
• Shelter – free legal advice and solicitors to help people who have lost their homes or are facing eviction